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THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVAL HISTORY 
SOCIETY CERTIFIES THAT THIS COPY OF THE 
PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS IS 



/ 

OF SEVEN HUNDRED COPIES, PRINTED FOR 
THE SOCIETY ONLY 



THE NAVAL HISTORY SOCIETY 

INCORPORATED BY ACT OF CONGRESS 
AUGUST 21, 191 2 



OFFICERS 

1917 



PRESIDENT 

ROBERT M. THOMPSON 

VICE-PRESIDENT 

JAMES BARNES 

SECRETARY AND TREASURER 

ROBERT W. NEESER 

35 West 42nd Street, New York City 
BOARD OF MANAGERS 

REAR-ADMIRAL FRENCH E. CHADWICK, U. S.[N. 

GRENVILLE KANE 

WILLIAM S. LLOYD 

CHARLES A. MUNN 

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT 

HERBERT L. SATTERLEE 

ROBERT S. SLOAN 

REAR-ADMIRAL C. H. STOCKTON, U. S. N, 



PUBLICATIONS 

OF THE 

NAVAL HISTORY SOCIETY 
Volume VIII 



THE PAPERS OF 
FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 









6t* 
tr 

o 

05 



liD FOR THE NA 



■trJ 






"I) 






-Si 

IP 



THE PAPERS OF 

FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

UNITED STATES NAVY 
CORRESPONDENCE AND JOURNAL 

1837-1859 



EDITED BY 

GARDNER W. ALLEN 



NEW YORK 

PRINTED FOR THE NAVAL HISTORY SOCIETY 

BY THE DE VINNE PRESS 

MDCCCCXVII 



Copyright, 1 9 1 7, by 
The Naval History Society 



m -5 1918 



©CI.A492480 



X^ I 



CONTENTS 



Introductiox 

Secretary of the Navy to A. J. Dallas, October 17, 1837 

Secretary of the Navy to A. J. Dallas, February 10. 1838 

Secretary of the NA\"i- to F. G. Dallas, April 2, 1838 . 

Secretary of the Navy to A. J. Dallas, August 27, 1838 

Samuel Cushman to A. J. Dallas, June 24, 1839 

Secretary of the Navy to F. G. Dallas, November 17, 1840 

Acting Secretary of the Na\"y to F. G. Dallas, October 4, 
1841 



PAGE 

xvii 



Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, November 8, 1841 

Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, November 24, 1841 

Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, December 24, 1841 

Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, March 21,1 843 . 

Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, January 11, 1845 

Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, April 7, 1845 

Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, March 10, 1846 

Dallas to Surgeon Hulse, June 3, 1846 . 

Hulse to Dallas, June 3, 1846 .... 

Commodore Conner to Dallas, June 4, 1846 

Dallas to Conner, July 4, 1846 .... 

Conner to Dallas, July 4, 1846 .... 

Dallas to Conner, September 16, 1846 

[ix] 



I 

2 
2 
3 

3 

4 

5 
5 
6 

7 
8 

9 
10 
II 
12 
13 
14 
14 
16 
16 



CONTENTS 
Conner to Dallas, September i8, 1846 .... 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, November 4, 1846 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, January 6, 1847 
Dallas to Secretary of the Navy, March 2, 1847 
Dallas to Secretary of the Navy, March 6, 1847 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, March 10, 1847 
Dallas to Secretary of the Navy, March 14, 1847 
Commodore Perry to Dallas, November 20, 1847 
Commander Upshur to Dallas, May 6, 1848 
Harrington to Wyman, May 8, 1848 
Taylor to Dallas, May 15, 1848 . 
Dallas to Harrison, May 24, 1848 
Dallas to Dibble, May 24, 1848 
Henderson to Gale, May 28, 1848 
Certificate of F. W. Henderson, May 28 and 30, 1848 
Gale to Dallas, June 6, 1848 .... 
Certificate of Dr. Palmer, June 7, 1848 . 
Upshur to Secretary of the Navy, June 8, 1848 
Wyman to Dallas, June 9, 1848 
Henderson to Dallas .... 
Dallas to Secretary of the Navy, June 17, 1848 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, June 20, 1848 
Dallas to Secretary of the Navy, June 21, 1848 
Dallas to Secretary of the Navy, June 21, 1848 
Captain Morgan to Dallas, July 4, 1848 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, July 6, 1848 . 



PAGE 
17 



CONTENTS 

Dallas to Secretary of the Navy, September 3, 1848 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, September 9, 1848 
Dallas to Secretary of the Navy, September 12, 1848 
De Russy to Dallas, September 20, 1848 .... 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, September 25, 1848 
Captain Parker to the President, December 8, 1848 
Abbott Lawrence to the President, December 11, 1848 
Certificate of Commander Upshur, December 15, 1848 
De Russy to Secretary of the Navy, December 29, 1848 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, January 30, 1849 
German Minister to Dallas, May 23, 1849 . 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, May 25, 1849 
German Minister to Dallas, May 28, 1849 . 
German Minister to Palmer, May 28, 1849 . 
Statement of Service, July 21, 1849 .... 
Dallas to Secretary of the German Navy, July 27, 1849 



Secretary of the German Navy to Dallas, August 3, 1849 63 



Commission in the German Navy, August 19, 1849 
ToNGRi to Dallas, December 4, 1849 .... 
Wyman to Dallas, February 3, 1850 .... 
Dallas to Rear-Admiral Brommy, March 22, 1850 
Statement of Service, March 29, 1850 

Oath 

Dallas TO Thomson, August 9, 1850 .... 
Parker to Dallas, September 7, 1850 .... 
Captain Paulding to Dallas, October 3, 1850 . 
Paulding to Prince Adalbert, October 3, 1850 . 

Cxi] 



PACE 
46 

47 
48 
49 
51 
51 
53 
54 
54 
57 
58 

59 
60 
60 
61 
62 



64 
65 
65 
66 
67 
68 

69 
70 

71 
71 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Dallas TO Weber, November 27, 1850 73 

Brommy TO Dallas, January 21, 185 1 73 

Hartlant TO Dallas, February I, 1851 74 

Schultz TO Dallas, February 21, 185 1 75 

General Wyneken to Dallas, April 24, 185 1 . . . . 76 

United States Minister at Berlin to Dallas, May 28, 

1851 76 

Moldenbier to Dallas 78 

Dallas TO Prince Adalbert, January 6, 1852 .... 78 

United States Minister at London to Dallas, February 

23, 1852 79 

Fay to Dallas, May 13, 1852 80 

Dallas to Fay, May, 1852 81 

Testimonial of Admiral Brommy, May 27, 1852 ... 82 

Certificate OF Commander Tongri, July 5, 1852 ... 83 

Dallas to United States Consul, July 7, 1852 .... 83 

Testimonial of Lieutenant Reichert, July 26, 1852 . . 85 

Certificate of Captain Jackson, July 31, 1852 .... 86 

Dallas to United States Minister at Berlin, August 8, 

1852 86 

Dallas to United States Minister, August 22, 1852 . . 89 

Certificate of Lieutenant Dallas, September 12, 1852 . 91 

United States Minister to Dallas, October 18, 1852 . . 92 

Dallas to United States Minister, October 22, 1852 . . 92 

Dallas to Baron von Roenne, October 22, 1852 ... 94 

Roenne TO Dallas, October 27, 1852 95 

Dallas to United States Minister, November 9, 1852 . . 96 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Transfer of Steam Corvette Hamburg, December lo, 1852 98 

United States Minister to Dallas, December 10, 1852 . 99 

Certificate of Admiral Brommy, December 12, 1852 . . 100 

Certificate of Captain Weber, December 16, 1852 . . . loi 

United States Minister to Dallas, December 17, 1852 . 102 

Bismarck to the United States Minister, December 14, 

1852 (Enclosure) 102 

Decree of the Federal Diet 105 



Dallas to Chief Commander of the Navy, December 22, 



1852 



Dallas to Secretary of the Navy, February 17, 1853 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, February 23, 1853 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, February 23, 1853 
Captain Parker to Dallas, March 16, 1853 • 
United States Minister to Dallas, April 13, 1853 
Dallas to the Federal Diet, April 16, 1853 • 
Federal Diet to Dallas, April 27, 1853 . 
United States Consul to Dallas, April 30, 1853 
United States Consul to Dallas, May 6, 1853 • 
Dallas to United States Consul, September 30, 1853 

Tucker to Dallas, November i, 1853 

Certificate of United States Consul, November 5, 1853 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, November 22, 1853 • 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, December 21, 1853 . 
Commander Sterrett to Dallas, January 13, 1854 • 
Certificate of Commander Sterrett, February 14, 1854 

Etheridge to Dallas, April 22, 1854 

[xiii] 



107 
108 
no 
III 

112 

113 
114 
116 
117 
119 
123 
125 
126 
128 
128 
129 
130 
130 



CONTENTS 

Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, May i, 1854 

Sterrett to Dallas, January 4, 1855 132 



PAGE 



Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, October 23, 1855 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, October 25, 1855 

De Russy to Dallas, June 4, 1856 

Welsh to Dallas, August 25, 1856 .... 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, March 16, 1857 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, April 15, 1857 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, April 16, 1857 
Deyton to Dallas, April 23, 1857 .... 
Commander Brent to Dallas, April 21, 1859 
Myers to Dallas, April 23, 1859 .... 
Brent to Dallas, April 24, 1859 .... 
Daniel G. Brent to Dallas, April 24, 1859 . 
Receipt by United States Marshal, June 15, 1859 

Devoe to Dallas, June 15, 1859 

Commodore Breese to Dallas, June 16, 1859 

Hunt to Dallas, June 17, 1859 

United States Marshal to Breese, June 20, 1859 
Receipt by Commander Rowan, June 21, 1859 . 
Secretary of the Navy to Dallas, June 24, 1859 
Bridge to Dallas, July 9, 1859 



132 
133 
133 
135 
136 
136 
137 
138 
139 
139 
140 
140 
141 
141 
142 

143 
144 
144 
145 
145 



Journal of Lieutenant Dallas, May 23, 1849, to June 14, 
1859 149 

Appendix. Cruise of the Decatur, i 854-1 857. By Com- 
modore Thomas S. Phelps, U. S. Navy 245 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

The United States Frigate St. Lawrence . . . Frontispiece y/ 

From an engraving made in Bremen about 1850 

FACING PAGE 

Commission of Francis Gregory Dallas as a Lieutenant 

IN THE German Navy 64 

From the original document 

Certificate of Captain Weber loi " 

From the original document 

First Page of the Dallas Journal 149 



INTRODUCTION 

Francis Gregory Dallas was bom in Boston, October 
lo, 1824, and entered the navy as midshipman Novem- 
ber 8, 1 841. He does not appear to have been related to 
the well known Dallas family which counted among its 
members and collateral branches not only a secretary of 
the treasury and a vice-president of the United States, 
but many naval and military officers. Of his kinsmen, 
however, there were several in the national service. His 
father was Commander Alexander J. Dallas, U. S. 
Navy, but this was not his original name. In the navy 
register for 1820 he appears as James A. D. Brown, in 
1 82 1 as Alexander J. Dallas Brown, in 1825 as A. J. 
Dallas Browne, and in 1835 for the first time as Alexan- 
der J. Dallas; he entered the service in 18 10 from Con- 
necticut, his native State, and died in 1843. Three other 
officers of the same full name will be found on the navy 
list, the first of whom was the distinguished commodore, 
son and namesake of the secretary of the treasury men- 
tioned above. Commanders Benjamin W. Booth and 
William Boerum of the navy and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Rene E. DeRussy of the army were uncles of F. G. Dal- 
las, and Lieutenant, afterward Rear-Admiral, Robert 
H. Wyman was his brother-in-law. 

The history of our navy between the War of 1 8 1 2 and 
the Civil War, while less stirring than in times of na- 
tional peril and less familiar to the general reader, is by 
no means devoid of interest. It was an important pe- 
ll xvii] 



INTRODUCTION 

riod in the development of the navy in many respects. 
Naval construction, administration, and education were 
revolutionized and various reforms were accomplished. 
The transition from sail to steam power then took 
place. The adoption of steam was a slow and difficult 
matter; the new motive power encountered the conser- 
vatism and prejudice of the older officers. Although 
the first steamer in the navy, the Fulton, was built in 
1 8 14, the convictions of many naval men on the subject 
twenty-five years later were presumably expressed by 
James Fenimore Cooper when he wrote: "There is an 
opinion becoming prevalent that the use of steam will 
supersede the old mode of conducting naval warfare. 
. . . Shot-proof batteries might indeed be built, that, 
propelled by steam, would be exceedingly formidable 
for harbour defence, but it is illusory to suppose that 
vessels of that description can ever be made to cruise. 
. . . Steam may be, and most probably will be made a 
powerful auxiliary of the present mode of naval war- 
fare, but it is by no means likely to supplant it. Fleets 
may be accompanied by steamers, but their warfare will 
be conducted by the present classes of heavy ships, since 
it is not possible to give sufficient powers of annoyance, 
or endurance, to vessels propelled by steam, to enable 
them to lie under the batteries of the latter."^ One of 
the younger and more progressive officers in the navy 
at this time was Lieutenant Matthew F. Maury, who 
appreciated the importance of steam and urged its de- 
velopment for naval use. He advised cheaply built 
vessels for this purpose, in order to keep down the ex- 
pense of the many and frequent changes in construction 

1 History of the Navy (Philadelphia, 1839), Vol. I, pp. xxxiii- 

XXXV. 

[xviii] 



INTRODUCTION 

which he foresaw would result from experimentation/ 
The problem of fuel supply was not easy to solve and 
steamers did not venture far from port. Practically all 
cruising was done in sailing vessels. It was not until 
the last decade before the Civil War that the steamships 
in the navy began to rival the sailing craft in numbers 
and importance. There was built in the middle fifties 
a class of steam frigates which were generally consid- 
ered the finest ships of their day. One of them, the 
Merrimac, is thus described by an officer who sailed 
in her: "She was a fine-looking ship, and her main deck 
with its powerful battery was a picture for a sailor to 
behold; but I cannot say much for either her sailing or 
steaming qualities. ... As for her speed under steam, 
7 knots was the maximum when we left Boston ; at the 
end of the cruise 5 knots was all she could keep up for 
24 hours. "^ 

The use of armor for ships' sides was becoming a 
practical question during this period. The construction 
of an armored vessel was authorized by Congress as 
early as 1842, but, although nearly completed, she was 
never put into commission. The first naval dry-docks 
in the United States, those at Boston and Norfolk, were 
opened for use in 1833. 

The nineteenth century was not far advanced before 
the mass of details in the business of the Navy Depart- 
ment, especially during the War of 181 2, became 

^ Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. VI (1840), pp. 309-311, Vol. 
VII (1841), p. 372. Under the name of "Harry Bluff," Maury 
wrote for this magazine in 1840 and 1841 a notable series of articles, 
which he called "Scraps from the Lucky Bag," designed to promote 
naval progress and reform. 

2 William H. Parker's Recollections of a Naval Officer, 1 841-1865 
(New York, 1883), pp. 174, 175. 

[xix] 



INTRODUCTION 

greater than the secretary with his clerks could readily 
handle, and in 1815 the Board of Navy Commissioners, 
composed of three captains of the navy, was established. 
Taking charge of various matters, chiefly relating to 
materiel, the commissioners considerably relieved the 
pressure of work in the Department. The system 
seemed well adapted to serve the needs of the day and 
worked with apparent success for many years. In the 
course of time, however, defects in the organization 
became evident. The duties of the Board were not 
clearly defined, responsibility was divided, and mistakes 
in administration could not be traced to their source. 
There was extravagance in ship-building and in the 
navy yards. It cost more to repair old ships than to 
build new ones, and the new ships were very inferior in 
speed and other qualities to the old frigates of 1797. 
Reform was clearly called for. The commissioners 
themselves realized this, pointed out to Congress the 
faults of their organization and made wise suggestions, 
but for a long time nothing was done. Dissatisfaction 
and criticism were vigorously expressed by Lieutenant 
Maury. "It is not the Commissioners of the Navy 
Board," he says, "but the plan — the whole system, that 
is at fault." "We have seen the want of individual re- 
sponsibility in the Navy Board. The duties at present 
required of it might, with great advantage to the public 
interests, be divided into at least three separate depart- 
ments or Bureaux."^ The head of the Department also 
became once again overwhelmed with the complicated 
business of his office and Secretary Upshur, in his report 
for 1841, says: "His whole time is occupied in trifling 

^ Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. VII, pp. 19-22, 348, 356, 
364. 

Cxx] 



INTRODUCTION 

details, rendering it impossible for him to bestow the 
requisite attention upon more important subjects in- 
volving the great interests of the service." At last relief 
came in the form of reorganization enacted by Congress 
August 31, 1842, when five bureaus were established. 
This was the beginning of the present bureau system of 
naval administration.^ 

In the old navy the education of the officers was of a 
limited sort. Entering the service as midshipmen, often 
at a very early age, the schooling provided for them on 
board ship and at naval stations was far from adequate. 
Secretary William Jones first proposed a naval academy 
in 1 8 14 and this was followed during the next thirty 
years by many other attempts to bring such a school into 
existence. Lieutenant Maury urged the establishment 
of a school-ship and set forth his plan in great detail.^ 
But Congress could never be induced to take favorable 
action. At last, in 1845, Secretary Bancroft discovered 
that the thing could be done without legislation. With 
the aid and advice of a board of officers a plan was for- 
mulated. Fort Severn, Maryland, was chosen as a site 
and to it was moved the existing school at Philadelphia, 
one of several small, ineff^ective schools maintained at 
various navy yards; all these were then closed. From 
the twenty-five professors and teachers already in the 
service, and from the chaplains, a corps of instructors 
was organized with Commander Franklin Buchanan at 
the head. The Naval School, as it was then called, was 

1 U. S. Naval Institute Proceedings, Vol. XXXIII (1907), pp. 
605, 610, 611, 639, 640, 1439, 1440. In these numbers two articles 
on Naval Administration, by Charles O. Paullin, give a most inter- 
esting and valuable sketch of the navy between 18 15 and 1861, de- 
scribing conditions in the Navy Department and in the service as well. 

2 Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. VI, pp. 315-320, 786-800. 

[xxi] 



INTRODUCTION 

formally opened October lo, 1845. At first instruction 
was irregular, as the institution was not recognized by 
law and midshipmen might at any time be ordered to 
sea. The first class was composed of midshipmen who 
had entered the service in 1840. In 1851 the school was 
reorganized with a four years' course under the name 
of the United States Naval Academy.^ 

Scientific work of a high order made a beginning in 
the navy in 1830 with the establishment of the Depot of 
Charts and Instruments. Three years later the Naval 
Lyceum for the diffusion of useful knowledge was or- 
ganized at the New York Navy Yard. The Hydro- 
graphic Office and the Naval Observatory were founded 
in 1842 and the Nautical Almanac Office in 1849. The 
officers most distinguished in these institutions were 
Lieutenants Wilkes, Davis, Maury and Gilliss. In 
1847 Lieutenant Dahlgren began the work on ordnance 
which made him famous in this branch of naval science. 
Two years before the Civil War he had developed his 
invention and was producing ii-inch guns for the new 
ships. ^ 

The lot of the seaman in the navies of the world at 
different epochs has been set forth in various histories 
and biographies and some of the abuses to which the un- 
fortunate sailor was subjected in early times are now 
scarcely credible. By the middle of the nineteenth cen- 
tury great amelioration of earlier conditions had come 
about, though judged by the ideal standards set up by 

^ Soley's Historical Sketch of the U. S. Naval Academy (Wash- 
ington, 1876), ch. i-iv; see also Recollections of a Naval Officer, ch. 
xi. 

2 U. S. Naval Institute Proceedings, Vol. XXXIII, pp. 637, 1443, 
1455, 1473. 

Cxxii] 



INTRODUCTION 

recent reformers in this direction, the sailor of seventy 
or eighty years ago was hardly to be envied. Discipline 
w^as strict and the cat-o'-nine-tails was freely used. In 
1850, after much discussion, flogging was abolished in 
the navy. This reform was unpopular not only with the 
officers, but also to some degree among the men, and as 
no substitute for corporal punishment was at first pro- 
vided, the effect on discipline of its abolition was bad 
for a time. In the early days hard drinking among sea- 
faring people, when opportunity offered, was almost 
universal and grog was regularly served to seamen. The 
movement toward temperance reform in the navy was 
begun early, first by authorizing the commutation of the 
grog for money and later by forbidding it to minors. It 
was not until after the end of our period, however, — that 
is, in 1862, — that it was decreed by Congress that "the 
spirit ration in the navy of the United States shall for- 
ever cease." Attempts were made to improve the char- 
acter and education of naval seamen. An apprentice 
system was established in 1837 and again in 1855; in 
both instances it was short-lived. On board ship the wel- 
fare of the sailors was looked after by the chaplains, to 
the best of their ability, and on shore by philanthropic 
citizens. Before the Mexican War the number of sea- 
men in the navy authorized by law was 7500; during 
that war and a few years before the Civil War the limit 
was raised, but the number actually in service does not 
at any time before 1861 seem to have greatly exceeded 
eight thousand.^ 

In 1845 there were 68 captains, 96 commanders, 327 

1 U. S. Naval Institute Proceedings, Vol. XXXIII, pp. 636, 1457, 
1458, 1463, 1464, 1465. See article on "Grog," by Rear-Admiral 
George H. Preble, in The United Service, September, 1884. 

[xxiii] 



INTRODUCTION 

lieutenants, 159 passed midshipmen, and 314 midship- 
men in the United States Navy. The character and 
general qualifications of officers improved steadily, 
especially after the influence of the Naval Academy 
began to be felt. One hundred years ago dueling was 
common, but by the middle of the nineteenth century it 
had begun to encounter a decidedly hostile public opin- 
ion, not only in civil life, but in the army and navy. 
According to naval regulations promulgated in 1857, 
an officer who fought a duel might be punished by dis- 
missal from the service. Several years earlier, as will 
be seen in the case of Midshipman Dallas, this penalty 
was applied in the Naval Academy. A subject of warm 
discussion among officers was the line and staf¥ contro- 
versy, the claim of relative or assimilated rank on the 
part of the staff, which was fought with great bitterness 
by the line. In 1846 Secretary Bancroft settled the 
question for the Medical Corps by giving the surgeons 
relative rank, and the next year Secretary Mason satis- 
fied the claims of the Pay Corps in the same manner. 
Another matter of importance and of great detriment 
to the service was the retention on the active list of 
superannuated and incompetent officers, and in 1855 a 
retired list was inaugurated, a very necessary, though at 
first much criticized, reform.^ 

Of the more important operations of the navy, during 
the half century under review, may be mentioned the 
extirpation of piracy in the West Indies, many notable 
scientific and exploring expeditions, and the suppres- 
sion of the slave-trade. In the forties, six regular squad- 
rons were maintained: the Home Squadron, — whose 

1 U. S. Naval Institute Proceedings, Vol. XXXIII, pp. 628, 629, 
633, 1457, 1467, 1470. 

Cxxiv] 



INTRODUCTION 

cruising grounds included the West Indies and the Gulf 
of Mexico, — the Mediterranean, the Brazil, the Pacific, 
the East Indian, and the African squadrons, the latter 
being engaged in cruising against the slave-trade on the 
west coast of Africa. 

The navy played an important part in the Mexican 
War. The Pacific Squadron took Monterey, San Fran- 
cisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Mazatlan, and Guaymas. 
The Home Squadron maintained a strict blockade of 
the eastern coast of Mexico, captured all the chief Gulf 
ports, and assisted the army in landing at Vera Cruz, as 
vv^ell as in many operations on shore. About twenty 
small vessels were temporarily added to the navy during 
the war. Commodores Sloat and Stockton in the 
Pacific, and Conner and Perry in the Gulf, were suc- 
cessively in command of the squadrons. 

The foregoing sketch of naval conditions and events 
in the United States between 1815 and 1861 may serve 
as a setting for the story of an officer of that period. 
There are many published memoirs and biographies of 
officers and sailors which will enable the reader to fill 
in and complete the picture. Manuscript letters and 
journals, likewise, when they come to light, are naturally 
of very special value, even those of an obscure man. 
When daily incidents are recorded with no idea of pub- 
lication, they reveal the personality of the writer in a 
peculiar manner. The career of the young officer 
whose papers are printed in this volume, though not a 
long one, was somewhat unusual in certain respects and 
will doubtless interest the student of naval chronicles. 

The first sea service of Midshipman Dallas was on 
board the frigate Columbia, of 54 guns. On this ship 
he cruised more than three years, in home waters, in the 

Cxxv] 



INTRODUCTION 

Mediterranean and ofif the coast of Brazil. He was next 
sent to the Pensacola Navy Yard and after nearly a year 
there was ordered to the Home Squadron in the Gulf of 
Mexico, serving on board various ships through most of 
the Mexican War. He seems to have had few interest- 
ing war experiences at this time, but contracted yellow 
fever and suffered a severe injury to his head from an 
accident on board ship. This injury was the indirect 
cause of a decided modification of his professional 
career, as will appear in his letters. 

Early in 1848 Dallas was sent to the Naval School at 
Annapolis, to prepare for his examination for promo- 
tion to the grade of passed midshipman. Having en- 
tered the navy in 1841, his name appears in the list of 
the second class. After a few months at the school, 
Dallas became involved in a quarrel with certain other 
midshipmen; the result was a duel in which he was 
wounded. Subsequent to this episode he successfully 
passed his examination for promotion. On September 
9, 1848, however, he was dismissed from the navy for 
having been engaged in a duel. 

In the following year Dallas entered the navy of the 
German Confederation, his commission as lieutenant 
bearing the date August 19, 1849. From this point his 
story is told connectedly in his journal. His service in 
the German navy continued about three years. For 
much of this time he was in command of a ship, which, 
however, did little or no actual cruising. 

The year 1848 is an important date in German naval 
history. In the first place, the navy of the German Con- 
federation then came into existence, also the navy of 
Schleswig-Holstein, — the latter consisting of a small 
fleet of gunboats; both of these sea forces were short- 

[xxvi] 



INTRODUCTION 

lived. Still more important was the birth of the Prus- 
sian navy, which took place in the same year and which 
has developed into the present Imperial German navy. 
This naval activity of the Germans was brought about 
by the blockade of German ports by Denmark in retal- 
iation for the support extended by Prussia to Schles- 
wig-Holstein in the latter's war with Denmark, which 
began in the spring of 1848. 

The German Confederation, or union of all the Ger- 
man states including those of Austria, was governed by 
a National Assembly meeting at Frankfurt-am-Main. 
In June, 1848, the Archduke John of Austria was ap- 
pointed administrator of the empire. About the same 
time the Assembly took the first steps toward the estab- 
lishment of a navy. Meanwhile committees of mer- 
chants and citizens in North Germany had been formed 
to raise funds by popular subscription, delegates from 
German coast towns met at Hamburg, and merchant 
vessels were purchased and armed. The crippling of 
their commerce by so small a power as Denmark was 
humiliating; it had aroused the resentment of the Ger- 
mans and impressed upon them the importance of sea 
power. The enthusiasm for a navy spread throughout 
the whole country. 

The National Assembly appointed a marine commit- 
tee in June and appropriated money for fitting out a 
fleet. In November a supreme marine board was estab- 
lished and for its assistance in technical matters an ad- 
visory commission of professional experts was formed 
with Prince Adalbert of Prussia as chairman. Adalbert 
was a man of energy and ability who had been much at 
sea and had a perception of the importance to Germany 
of increasing her maritime power and resources. 

Cxxvii] 



INTRODUCTION 

The plan was not to try to be a first-class naval power, 
but to protect the North Sea and Baltic coasts and the 
sea trade. During the winter of 1 848-1 849 contracts 
were made in England and America for the purchase 
and construction of vessels for the new navy. Foreign 
officers were engaged. An effort was made to induce 
the United States Government to allow some of its naval 
officers to enter the German service temporarily. These 
negotiations at first promised success, but later it was 
decided by the government at Washington, presum- 
ably through fear of departing from strict neutrality, 
that the request must be declined. 

The fleet planned by its projectors was to comprise 
fifteen 60-gun sailing frigates with auxiliary engines, 
five steam frigates, twenty steam corvettes, and forty- 
five smaller craft. Only about a dozen vessels, however, 
seem to have been acquired, most of them merchantmen 
which had to be converted into ships of war. At the 
same time Prussia organized a considerable flotilla, in- 
cluding gunboats, sloops and yawls, and two steamers. 

The commander-in-chief selected for the navy of the 
Confederation was Karl Bromme, generally called 
Brommy; the latter spelling appears even in his own 
signature. Karl Rudolf Bromme was born near Leip- 
zig in 1804. ^^ learned seamanship in the American 
and British merchant marines and later entered the 
Greek service as a frigate captain, where he gained 
some naval experience. In 1849 Bromme was given the 
rank of rear-admiral. 

In April, 1849, the Danish sailing frigate Gefion, 
accompanied by a ship of the line, having entered the 
harbor of Eckernforde in Schleswig for the purpose of 
engaging the batteries, was captured by the army of the 

Cxxviii] 



INTRODUCTION 

German Confederation. She was taken into the Ger- 
man navy under the name of Eckernforde. In June 
Admiral Bromme with a steam frigate and two steam 
corvettes attacked a Danish frigate becalmed off Hel- 
goland. After a few shots had been exchanged the 
Danish blockading squadron drew near and the Ger- 
man ships returned to port. This was the only oppor- 
tunity the navy of the Confederation had to show its 
quality. In the same month an indecisive action took 
place between a Prussian steamer and a Danish brig. 

Lord Palmerston, at that time British minister of for- 
eign affairs, expressed the opinion that the German 
Confederation had no legal existence and that the 
belligerent acts of its ships constituted piracy. The note 
conveying this declaration to the government of the 
Confederation naturally aroused the ire of the Ger- 
mans. 

Later in the year 1849, peace with Denmark having 
removed the immediate need of a sea force, the stimulus 
of popular enthusiasm began to slacken and in the 
course of time the infant navy proved a source of dis- 
sension among the dif^ferent sections of the Confedera- 
tion. The inland states especially were opposed to it. 
It was no longer possible to raise money for its main- 
tenance. The government lacked centralized power 
and — like that of the United States under the Articles of 
Confederation before the adoption of the Federal Con- 
stitution — was unable to overcome the influence of in- 
ternal politics and impose its will on the separate states. 
It was proposed that Austria should maintain one fleet 
in the Adriatic Sea and Prussia another in the Baltic, 
while other German states should provide a third fleet 
for the North Sea. A few years later an attempt on the 

[xxix] 



INTRODUCTION 

part of some of the northern coast towns to organize a 
North Sea fleet was unsuccessful. 

Finally, in February, 1852, repeated efforts to raise 
funds having failed, the National Assembly decided 
upon the dissolution of the navy ; but nearly a year seems 
to have been consumed in winding up its affairs. Some 
of the vessels were sold at auction, others were disposed 
of by private sale. Some of them found their way into 
the Prussian navy. The officers appear to have been 
shown no great consideration in return for their efforts 
in behalf of the navy and were discharged with rather 
scant remuneration in the shape of extra pay. So ended 
the navy of the German Confederation. The Prussian 
navy, under the influence of the energetic Prince Adal- 
bert, continued to thrive and formed the "foundation 
of the great fleet which now [191 3] aspires to contest the 
British mastery of the seas."^ 

It was not until December, 1852, that Lieutenant 
Dallas delivered his ship to an English company which 
had purchased her. He soon returned to America and 
directly after his arrival was reinstated in the United 
States Navy with the rank of passed midshipman dating 
from August 10, 1847. He was given a year's leave of 
absence, during which he revisited Germany in order to 
prosecute his claim for a pension or extra pay. In this 
quest, however, he was unsuccessful. 

From 1854 to 1857 Passed Midshipman Dallas was 

1 German Sea Power. By Archibald Hurd and Henry Castle (Lon- 
don, 1913), p. 78. See also Die deutsche Flotte. Ihre Entwickelung 
und Organisation. Von Graf Reventlow, Kapitan-Leutnant (Zwei- 
brijcken, 1901), pp. 7-10; Das deutsche Jahrhundert. Von George 
Stockhausen. Zweiter Band — Abtheilung VII. Geschichte der 
deutschen Kriegsmarine im neunzehnten Jahrhundert. Von Erwin 
Schafer, Kapitan-Leutnant (Berlin, 1901), pp. 9-18. 

[xxx] 



INTRODUCTION 

attached to the sloop of war Decatur, Commander 
Isaac S. Sterrett, and made a cruise to the Pacific Ocean. 
One of Dallas's shipmates on the Decatur was Lieu- 
tenant Thomas S. Phelps. A quarter of a century later, ^ 
Phelps, then a commodore, published very interest- 
ing accounts of portions of this cruise. The Deca- 
tur sailed from Boston January lo, 1854, i^ "^ blinding 
northeast snow-storm," under orders "to search for the 
disabled steamship San Francisco, with a regiment of 
United States soldiers on board, en route to California." 
After an unsuccessful search for the steamer, which had 
been scuttled and abandoned, the Decatur put into 
Norfolk. In June she sailed for the Pacific by way of 
the Straits of Magellan.^ 

In June, 1855, the Decatur, being at Honolulu, re- 
ceived orders to "cruise on the Coast of Oregon and 
California for the protection of settlers." The Indians 
of that region, and especially of Washington Territory, 
had been getting restless for two years or more. Not 
long afterward a serious war broke out, and it is pos- 
sible that if no help had been received from outside, the 
very sparse white population about Puget Sound might 
have been exterminated.^ 

Washington was organized as a territory in 1853. 
The first settlement had been made in 1845, near the site 
of Olympia; this town was founded during the follow- 
ing year and became the capital of the territory after the 
government had been organized. Seattle, named for an 
Indian chief, was founded in 1852. The first governor 
of Washington Territory was Isaac Ingalls Stevens, 

■■ The United Service, March, 1883. 

-The United Service, December, 1881. See Appendix for Com- 
modore Phelps's narrative. 

Cxxxi] 



INTRODUCTION 

who arrived at Olympia and established the government 
in November, 1853. Stevens was a graduate of West 
Point and a veteran of the Mexican War. He after- 
ward became a distinguished general in the Civil War 
and was killed in action in 1862. 

The total white population of the territory in 1855 
was about four thousand, widely scattered; as a rule, 
they were of the best class of frontiersmen. In addition 
to the Americans, who made up the bulk of the popula- 
tion and who were called "Bostons" by the Indians, 
there were some English, mostly employees of the Hud- 
son Bay Company. The town of Seattle, which was one 
of the principal objects of attack by the Indians, con- 
tained few more, perhaps, than fifty people, and within 
a radius of thirty miles there were about one hundred 
and twenty others. Besides Olympia and Seattle there 
were settlements around Puget Sound at Port Towns- 
end, Bellingham Bay, Steilacoom, near an army post of 
the same name, and Nisqually; also sawmills at Port 
Madison and a number of other places. West of the 
Cascade Mountains there were ninety-seven hundred 
Indians, of whom eighty-five hundred lived in the 
neighborhood of Puget Sound. East of the Cascade 
Range there were twelve thousand Indians, most of 
whom were hostile to the white settlers. The Puget 
Sound Indians were generally inclined to be friendly to 
the whites, but at this time they were to a large extent 
unfavorably influenced by those from the eastern part 
of the territory. 

One of the first matters to occupy the thoughts of 
Governor Stevens was an effort to bring about amicable 
relations with the Indians, and the years 1854 ^^^ 
1855 were largely given up to necessary preparations 

Cxxxii] 



INTRODUCTION 

and to negotiations with them. The governor's policy 
was to place the Indians on reservations, to pay for their 
lands by annuities of clothing and other supplies of va- 
rious sorts, to provide schools, and otherwise to promote 
their welfare; in general, to treat them with justice and 
kindness, though with firmness. For agents and other 
officers to deal with them, the governor made good ap- 
pointments. The negotiations resulted in treaties with 
the Indians about Puget Sound during the months of 
December, 1854, and January, 1855; with those east of 
the Cascade Range in council at Walla Walla in June, 
1855; and in October with the Blackfeet and many 
others at Fort Benton in the present State of Montana. 
Trouble was begun just after the Walla Walla council 
by certain chiefs who had taken part in it and had 
signed the treaty. Taking advantage of Governor 
Stevens's absence at the remote post of Fort Benton, 
these warriors not only fomented disaffection in their 
own and other eastern tribes, but corrupted a large num- 
ber of the Puget Sound Indians. Many scattered set- 
tlers in different parts of Washington and Oregon were 
massacred. The governor received information of the 
outbreak October 29, just after setting out, with his 
small party, upon his homeward journey from Fort 
Benton. This journey of a thousand miles through a 
hostile country, crossing many rivers and mountain 
passes, was most difficult and dangerous. He succeeded, 
however, in eluding his savage enemies and arrived at 
Olympia January 19, 1856. Just a week later occurred 
the serious attack of the Indians on Seattle which the 
officers and men of the Decatur took an active part in 
repelling. 
The war does not seem to have been due to any mis- 

[xxxiii;] 



INTRODUCTION 

behavior on the part of the Indian agents or of the set- 
tlers. In a message delivered January 20 to the legis- 
lature, then in session, the governor said: "The war has 
been plotting for two or three years, — a war entered 
into by these Indians without a cause; a war having not 
its origin in these treaties, nor in the bad conduct of the 
whites. It originated in the native intelligence of rest- 
less Indians, who, foreseeing destiny against them, — 
that the white man was moving upon them, — deter- 
mined that it must be met and resisted by arms. We 
may sympathize with such a manly feeling, but in view 
of it we have high duties. The war must be vigorously 
prosecuted now."^ 

For the accomplishment of this purpose nearly nine- 
teen hundred volunteers were enlisted during the period 
of hostilities, about equally divided between infantry 
and cavalry; the largest number in service at any one 
time was about one thousand. They were men of a 
good sort and well disciplined. This force was divided 
into three battalions, — one to hold the line of the 
Snohomish River, east of the Sound and north of Seattle ; 
the other two farther east, extending into the hostile 
country across the Cascade Mountains. The total num- 
ber of regular United States troops does not seem to be 
precisely stated, but may be estimated at from four to 
five hundred, distributed in widely separated army 
posts. The number of hostile warriors among the 
Puget Sound Indians actually on the war-path prob- 
ably varied from time to time, according to cir- 

^ Hazard Stevens's Life of Isaac Ingalls Stevens (Boston, 1900), 
Vol. II, p. 163. For a full account of relations with the Indians, see 
ch. xxv-xliv. See also General E. D. Keyes's Fifty Years' Observa- 
tion of Men and Events (New York, 1884), ch. xiv. 

[xxxiv] 



INTRODUCTION 

cumstances, between two hundred and fifty and five 
hundred; their intimate knowledge of the forest and 
swamps greatly facilitated their movements and gave 
them an advantage. Much larger numbers from the 
tribes across the mountains were engaged in the fight- 
ing- 
There was much friction in the relations between 

Governor Stevens and the officers of the regular army, 
particularly in the case of General Wool, commanding 
the Pacific Division. This was most unfortunate and 
hindered effective cooperation between the regulars and 
volunteers. The governor was criticized also by some 
of the naval officers, who seem not to have had an op- 
portunity of thoroughly acquainting themselves with 
his policy and with the general Indian situation 
throughout the territory. 

On March lo, 1856, the Indians were decisively de- 
feated in a battle near the Sound, several miles south of 
Seattle. This was followed up by repeated blows, al- 
lowing the Indians no rest. They were hunted down 
through the forest in every direction for about two 
months. During this time more than five hundred came 
in and voluntarily surrendered, and the rest fled east. 
By the middle of May all the Puget Sound Indians had 
been subdued. The war east of the Cascade Mountains 
lasted two years longer and was carried on for the most 
part by regular troops, who finally succeeded in re- 
ducing the savages to subjection.^ 

Having rendered all the service required of her, the 
Decatur proceeded, in June, 1856, to San Francisco, 
where she remained the rest of the year. In January, 
1857, she sailed for Panama and arrived in March. 

^ Life of I. I. Stevens, ch. xxxviii. 
C XXXV 3 



INTRODUCTION 

Here Lieutenant Dallas — for he had been promoted — 
was detached from the ship and, crossing the isthmus, 
returned home by steamer. His next duty was a year's 
service on the receiving ship Princeton, at Philadel- 
phia. In June, 1858, he was ordered to join the United 
States squadron maintained on the west coast of Africa 
for the suppression of the slave-trade. 

Under the Federal Constitution the importation of 
slaves into the United States could not be interfered 
with before 1808 ; the traffic then became illegal by vir- 
tue of an act of Congress passed the previous year. 
Meanwhile various restrictive measures had been 
adopted by the national government and by the dififerent 
States, the first federal act of the sort being that of 1794, 
which forbade the exportation of slaves. In 1807 Great 
Britain, from motives of humanity, prohibited the im- 
portation of slaves into her colonies. After this, her 
West Indian trade, especially sugar production, suf- 
fered from the competition of the Spanish colonies, 
which imported slave labor freely. It then became 
England's interest to suppress the slave-trade altogether, 
and thenceforth, from motives both philanthropic and 
commercial, she was actively engaged in this endeavor 
and attempted to secure the cooperation of other na- 
tions.^ 

1 Schuyler's American Diplomacy (New York, 1886), ch. v: The 
Right of Search and the Slave-Trade. See Southern Literary Mes- 
senger, Vol. VIII (1842), p. 289: The Right of Search, by M. F. 
Maury; North American Review, Vol. LIII (1841), p. 433: Search 
of American Vessels; U. S. Naval Institute Proceedings, Vol. XXII 
(1896), p. 721 : The Right of Search and its Limitation in Time of 
Peace, by Professor Theodore S. Woolsey. Perhaps the most ex- 
haustive study of the slave-trade, in which every source of informa- 
tion is minutely explored, will be found in The Suppression of the 
African Slave-Trade to the United States. By W. E. Burghardt 
DuBois (New York, 1896). 

[xxxvi] 



INTRODUCTION 

By reason of the continuous warfare in which Great 
Britain was engaged during the early part of the nine- 
teenth century, she was able, until 1815, to exercise the 
belligerent right of search upon all vessels on the high 
seas, which facilitated her operations against the slave- 
trade. With the return of peace the problem was more 
difficult and at the same time increased profits in the 
cultivation of cotton and other circumstances created 
greater demand for slave labor and a revival of the 
slave-trade, which had been somewhat depressed. Eng- 
land then negotiated with other powers for the mutual 
grant of the right of visitation and search in the case of 
vessels suspected of being slavers. In 1815 her efforts 
to arouse the interest of the Congress of Vienna in the 
subject were only to a slight degree successful. 

If most of the great powers of the world could be 
brought together on the proposal of the mutual right of 
search as a measure to promote the suppression of the 
slave-trade, the largest share in policing the sea for the 
purpose would come to the greatest navy — that of Great 
Britain. This would probably insure her continued 
naval supremacy as well as favor her commercial inter- 
ests. England, however, had difficulty in bringing 
other nations into line with her policy. Before 1820 she 
made treaties with Denmark, Spain, Portugal, and the 
Netherlands in accordance with her desires, but France, 
Russia, Prussia, and Austria rejected her proposals as 
to the right of search. 

The treaty of Ghent between the United States and 
Great Britain, concluded in 1814, provided (Article X) 
that "whereas the traffic in slaves is irreconcilable with 
the principles of humanity and justice, ... it is hereby 
agreed that both the contracting parties shall use their 
best endeavors" to abolish it. In 1818, 1819, and 1820 

l^xxxvii] 



INTRODUCTION 

Congress passed acts supplementary to that of 1807. 
The act of 18 19 directed the President to send cruisers 
to Africa for the suppression of this traffic and provided 
for the colonization of Negroes in Africa ; this led to the 
founding of Liberia. The act of 1820 made the impor- 
tation of slaves into the United States punishable by 
death and declared the slave-trade to be piracy, — at 
least in a limited sense; that is, municipal, though not 
international piracy. At this time an international 
agreement on the subject was expected and during the 
next three years the House of Representatives passed 
resolutions requesting the President to enlist other pow- 
ers, if possible, in an agreement abolishing the slave- 
trade and denouncing it as piracy under international 
law. In spite of all the laws enacted by Congress, it 
must be admitted that through apathy and pro-slavery 
influence a vigorous enforcement of them was decidedly 
exceptional. During the last few years before the Civil 
War the traffic in slaves increased and concealment was 
deemed hardly necessary. About the same time a strong 
movement was set on foot to repeal all restrictive laws 
and reopen the African slave-trade.^ 

In 1824 a convention was negotiated in London be- 
tween the United States and Great Britain which de- 
nounced the slave-trade as piracy and provided for its 
suppression by the ships of war of both powers, the right 
of search of vessels under the flag of either by the 
cruisers of the other being mutually accorded. In a 
message to the Senate, May 21, 1824, during its consid- 
eration of this treaty, President Monroe said: "The 
right of search is the right of war of the belligerent 
towards the neutral. To extend it in time of peace to 
1 The Suppression of the African Slave-trade, ch. viii, x, xi. 
[^xxxviii]] 



INTRODUCTION 

any object whatever might establish a precedent which 
might lead to others with some powers, and which, even 
if confined to the instance specified, might be subject to 
great abuse." Nevertheless he advised and urged ratifi- 
cation on the ground that "by making the crime piracy, 
the right of search attaches to the crime, and which, 
when adopted by all nations, will be common to all," 
thereby, he thought, losing its objectionable features/ 
John Quincy Adams, secretary of state, was opposed, 
continuing in the opinion he had expressed in 1818, 
when in the course of correspondence with the British 
foreign ofiice he had said that "the admission of a right 
in the officers of foreign ships-of-war to enter and search 
the vessels of the United States in time of peace, under 
any circumstances whatever, would meet with univer- 
sal repugnance in the public opinion of the country."^ 
The Senate amended this treaty of 1824 by limiting the 
right of search and in other respects. It thereupon 
failed of ratification by the British Government. 

It is evident that there was a strong sentiment 
throughout the country against yielding to other nations 
the right to board and search American vessels on the 
high seas. The merchant fleets of the United States and 
England were then about equal in tonnage, while the 
British navy was many times as great as ours. American 
commerce, therefore, would have suffered far more 
severely from annoyance and loss by detention than that 
of England; and the extension of British naval power 
was dreaded. Doubtless, moreover, unpleasant mem- 

^ Richardson's Messages and Papers of the Presidents, Vol. II, 
p. 245. 

2 American State Papers, Foreign Relations, Vol. V, p. 73. See 
also American Diplomacy, pp. 241, 247. 

Cxxxix] 



INTRODUCTION 

ories of the old days of impressment and orders in coun- 
cil before the War of 1812 survived with American 
seamen and among the people at large. Furthermore, 
the British naval officers of that day had an unenviable 
reputation for overbearing conduct. Lieutenant Maury 
says: 'The summary habits and arbitrary character of 
British officers are well understood by our merchant- 
men, and the mere proclamation that the right of 
visiting them had been granted to England, would im- 
mediately divert a great portion of [our] flourishing 
trade into other channels and the vessels would be laid 
up." This seems to have been admitted by some Eng- 
lishmen themselves. Maury quotes a newspaper, the 
London "Sun," as saying: "Arbitrary habits are engen- 
dered in our naval officers by the mode employed to 
procure men for the fleet, and those habits make them 
treat foreign vessels in an arbitrary manner."^ Though 
a Southerner, Maury was zealous and sincere in repro- 
bation of the slave-trade. 

About 1833 France conceded to England the right of 
search with limitations, and within the next six years 
several small nations made treaties with Great Britain 
to the same purpose. In 1839, having been unable to 
obtain general assent to her policy, which was necessary 
for its effective carrying out, England undertook to 
force the matter, and Parliament passed an act giving 
to British men-of-war authority to search, seize, and 
condemn in her own courts any vessel engaged in the 
slave-trade. This act was opposed by Wellington, who 
maintained that a declaration of war would be prefer- 
able, as then the belligerent right of search could be 
exercised. 

1 Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. VIII, pp. 293, 294. 



INTRODUCTION 

Four American vessels, which seem to have been 
innocent traders on the coast of Africa, were detained 
and searched in 1839 and 1840 by British cruisers under 
the authority of this act, and their crews were mal- 
treated. Palmerston, the British foreign minister, in 
defense of this proceeding informed the American min- 
ister in London "that her Majesty's government have 
decided that the flag of the United States shall exempt 
no vessel from search by her Majesty's cruisers in the 
African seas, unless such vessel shall be found provided 
with papers entitling her to the protection of the flag 
she wears and proving her to be United States property 
and navigating the ocean according to law."^ This of 
course would make search necessary, unless papers 
satisfactory to the British captain were voluntarily 
brought on board his ship by the merchantman. The 
English, moreover, tried to draw a distinction between 
the right of visit and the right of search, but on this 
point the authorities on international law and their own 
legal decisions were against them. Webster, who was 
secretary of state just after this, in his correspondence 
with the British Government in 1843 said that "the right 
to visit, to be effectual, must come in the end to include 
search, and thus exercise in peace an authority which 
the law of nations only allows in time of war."^ In his 
first annual message to Congress, December 7, 1841, 
President Tyler said: "However desirous the United 
States may be for the suppression of the slave-trade, they 
cannot consent to interpolations into the maritime code 
at the mere will and pleasure of other governments. We 

^ Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. VIII, p. 290. See also Vol. 
VI (1840), p. 237. 

2 Works of Daniel Webster (Boston, 1851), Vol. VI, p. 336. 



INTRODUCTION 

deny the right of any such interpolation to any one or all 
the nations of the earth without our consent. . . . 
American citizens prosecuting a lawful commerce in 
the African seas under the flag of their country, are not 
responsible for the abuse or unlawful use of that flag by 
others; nor can they rightfully on account of any such 
alleged abuses be interrupted, molested, or detained 
while on the ocean, and if thus molested and detained 
while pursuing honest voyages in the usual way and 
violating no law themselves, they are unquestionably 
entitled to indemnity."^ 

At last, in December, 1841, England succeeded in 
persuading envoys of Austria, Russia, Prussia, and 
France to sign a treaty embodying her views of the right 
of search and accepting her laws on the subject. Under 
the influence of General Cass, American minister at 
Paris, the French Government refused to ratify this 
treaty, which greatly incensed the British administra- 
tion. Without the cooperation of the United States and 
France the British policy regarding the suppression of 
the slave-trade could be of but little efifect. That this 
was unfortunate cannot be denied, and furthermore the 
free use of the American flag by outlaws and pirates as 
a protection against British cruisers is not pleasant to 
contemplate. 

In 1842 a compact commonly known as the Ashbur- 
ton treaty, which provided for the settlement of nu- 
merous difTferences between the United States and Great 
Britain, was concluded at Washington. The eighth 
article required each of the two nations to maintain on 
the coast of Africa a naval force carrying not less than 
eighty guns. The two squadrons, though independent 
1 Messages and Papers of the Presidents, Vol. IV, p. 77. 

Cxlii] 



INTRODUCTION 

of each other, were to cooperate for the suppression of 
the slave-trade. The matter of visit and search was not 
mentioned in the treaty. For this omission Webster was 
sharply criticized by General Cass, who feared the as- 
sumption on the part of the British that the right of 
search was in this manner tacitly conceded to them by 
the United States. This proved to be the case ; after the 
treaty, just as before, British ofBcers were instructed to 
search all suspicious vessels, and consequent aggressions 
continued. It was not until 1858 that England fully 
surrendered her long cherished claim to the right of 
visit and search. Meanwhile squadrons of the two na- 
tions cruised on the coast of Africa in some degree of 
harmony, though at times with more or less friction. 
By 1849 England had won all the important powers, 
except the United States and France, to her policy of 
the mutual right of search. In 1862 the United States, 
being engaged in war and perhaps a little more than 
willing to conciliate Great Britain, concluded with that 
power a treaty providing that within restricted areas of 
African and West Indian waters certain war vessels of 
either nation, specially authorized for the purpose, 
might visit and search vessels wearing the flag of the 
other power and suspected of being employed in the 
slave-trade. In this same year occurred the only execu- 
tion of the captain of a slave-ship under the acts of 1820 
and 1823 prescribing the death penalty for this offense. 
The difficulties which hindered the suppression of 
the slave-trade were serious. As concerns the United 
States, the laws governing seizures were perhaps too 
exacting, and the courts were inclined to discharge pris- 
oners and release captured ships even when evidence of 
guilt of a very convincing nature was produced, unless 

Cxliii] 



INTRODUCTION 

slaves were actually found on board. As a consequence, 
naval officers were almost necessarily over-cautious and 
many vessels seized by them under circumstances so 
suspicious as to admit of no reasonable doubt, were let 
go, generally to be heard of soon afterward as having 
departed from the coast with cargoes of living freight. 
The British procedure in another way tended to per- 
petuate the traffic in slaves. Under their prize laws, it 
is averred, if slave-traders were regarded as pirates and 
tried and punished as such, the captors received no prize 
money. Accordingly the vessels when seized were de- 
stroyed or sold, while the crews were put ashore and set 
free, only to return to the bush, gather more Negroes, 
and wait for other slave-ships to take them.^ The na- 
tives were captured in the interior by hostile tribes and 
sold to dealers. They were brought to within a few 
miles of the coast, where they were kept in barracoons 
or enclosures. The slave-ships, approaching the coast 
at night and watching their opportunity, ran in as near 
the beach as possible, communicating by signals with 
their agents on the lookout, who rushed the captives 
from the barracoons to the shore. They were quickly 
embarked and the ship was generally well out at sea 
before any cruisers appeared. 

A physician from New Orleans, who made a voyage 
on a slaver in 1859, describes the embarkation of natives 
from the shore near the mouth of the Congo. After 
difficulties and adventures in evading American and 

1 The Knickerbocker, December, 1851, and February, 1852: 
Sketches in South Africa, by Montgomery D. Parker. See also 
Leaves from an African Journal, by John Carroll Brent, in The 
Knickerbocker, November, 1848, to May, 1850. Brent vi^as secretary 
to Commodore Bolton, U. S. Navy, on the African station, and 
Parker seems to have served in a similar capacity. 



INTRODUCTION 

British cruisers, the ship arrived ofif the beach one morn- 
ing just at dawn. "A number of small craft could be 
seen outside the breakers; they resembled oyster-boats. 
After a satisfactory scrutiny of the horizon with a glass 
from the masthead, our signal, a large white flag with a 
red cross, was hoisted, and as it blew out was answered 
from the shore. Very soon the beach seemed to swarm 
with moving objects which we could not yet distinguish. 
A number of long, black objects left the shore and, 
when through the breakers, they stopped at the small 
craft outside. Now we could see that the negroes were 
being transferred to the boats outside the breakers from 
canoes, which ran through them with from four to six 
in each. As the sloops were filled they sailed for the 
ship, and ladders having been arranged, the negroes 
were soon coming over the ship's side; as each one 
reached the deck he was given a biscuit and sent below. 
It seemed slow work at first, but as the canoes were soon 
all launched and rushing through the surf, it presented 
a busy scene. The sloops were now flying to and from 
us and a great number of negroes were already on board 
at 2 P.M. 

"The lookout at the masthead shouted: *Sail-ho! 
away to the southward.' From the deck we could see 
nothing. A danger signal was hoisted at once to hurry 
all aboard faster; in a short while we could see from the 
deck a little black spot. Smoke! A cruiser! Another 
signal, a blood-red flag, w^as hoisted, informing those 
ashore of the kind of danger. If possible, the bustle 
ashore was increased; our own boats were lowered and 
they aided materially. The approaching vessel had 
seen us and the volume of smoke increased. She could 
now be seen and was recognized as the Vixen [an Eng- 



INTRODUCTION 

lish gunboat] with the naked eye. A signal from shore 
that a very few remained was hoisted, another hour 
passed and the vessel was certainly within three miles. 
Our boats were recalled and the entire fleet of sloops 
soon sailed toward us. Our boats were hoisted and lines 
thrown to the sloops now alongside. The Vixen now 
changed her course slightly and fired a solid shot, which 
passed to leeward of us, beyond. At this the Spanish 
captain [of the slaver] cried out: 'Let go!' The pin 
holding the staple in the anchor chain was cut and the 
chain parted. Sail was hoisted rapidly, the negroes in 
the sloops climbed over the ship's side, and as the sloops 
were emptied they were cast adrift with their single 
occupant, a Krooman. They scattered like frightened 
birds." After an exciting chase, the slave-ship escaped 
and landed her cargo safely on the south shore of Cuba.^ 

Kroomen were natives of the coast of Liberia, a pow- 
erful and independent race of men, who had never been 
enslaved. They possessed remarkable skill in handling 
boats in the heavy surf that beat on the African coast. 
It was the practice of naval vessels, upon their arrival 
on the African station, to enlist a number of Kroomen to 
do the boat work for the ships. 

In conformity with the Ashburton treaty, Commo- 
dore M. C. Perry was sent in 1843 to the west coast of 
Africa with four vessels. After this a squadron was 
kept continuously on the station; but the headquarters 
of the commodore being at the Cape Verde Islands, it 
was probably seldom that a force adequate for the ser- 
vice was actually cruising along the slave coast, many 
hundreds of miles away. Officers and crews were re- 

1 Scribner's Magazine, July, 1890: The Last Slave Ship, by George 
Howe. 

Cxivi;] 



INTRODUCTION 

lieved about once in two years. The climate was un- 
healthy and the service disagreeable, monotonous and 
disliked by officers and men. Importations into the 
United States of slaves from Africa had increased with 
the rapid growth of cotton cultivation, in spite of strict 
laws and heavy penalties, and in part because of their 
lax enforcement. The slave-trade to Cuba and Brazil 
was also large. Natives bought in Africa for twenty 
dollars each were sold in Cuba for three or four hun- 
dred dollars. By 1849, however, the number taken 
from Africa had been reduced, through the efforts of 
American, British, and French cruisers, from over a 
hundred thousand, ten years earlier, to less than forty 
thousand annually. In 1851 the British commodore on 
the station expressed the opinion that the slave-trade 
had never been in a more depressed condition, which 
he attributed to the exertions of the British and Amer- 
ican squadrons acting together. But during the 
Crimean War, 1853 to 1856, the British, who had the 
largest force on the coast, were obliged to reduce it very 
materially and partly on this account the traffic re- 
vived.^ 

In 1850 the United States brig Perry, Lieutenant 
A. H. Foote commanding, overhauled a large ship 
which was found to be the Martha of New York. 
"The Perry had no colors flying. The ship, when in 

1 Africa and the American Flag. By Commander Andrew H. 
Foote, U. S. N. (New York, 1854), ch. xxi-xxxiv. Doubtless one 
of the best first-hand authorities on the slave-trade, the condition of 
the natives in Africa and on board ship, and the operations of the 
U. S. squadrons. See also Journal of an African Cruiser. By an 
Officer of the U. S. Navy [Horatio Bridge], edited by Nathaniel 
Hawthorne (London, 1845) ; and Alden's George Hamilton Per- 
kins, Commodore, U. S. N. (Boston, 1914). ch. iv. 

[xlvii;] 



INTRODUCTION 

range of the guns, hoisted the American ensign, short- 
ened sail, and backed her maintopsail. The first 
lieutenant, Mr. Rush, was sent to board her. As he was 
rounding her stern, the people on board observed, by the 
uniform of the boarding officer, that the vessel was an 
American cruiser. The ship then hauled down the 
American and hoisted Brazilian colors. The officer 
went on board and asked for papers and other proofs of 
nationality. The captain denied having papers, log or 
anything else. At this time something was thrown over- 
board, when another boat was sent from the Perry and 
picked up the writing desk of the captain, containing 
sundry papers and letters identifying the captain as an 
American citizen; also indicating the owner of three- 
fifths of the vessel to be an American merchant, resident 
in Rio de Janeiro. After obtaining satisfactory proof 
that the ship Martha was a slaver, she was seized as a 
prize. The captain at length admitted that the ship was 
fully equipped for the slave-trade." She "was the larg- 
est slaver that had been on the coast for many years," 
and her captain had intended to ship eighteen hundred 
slaves that night. She had shown American colors, 
thinking the Perry was English. There were found on 
board supplies far in excess of the needs of her crew, 
including one hundred and fifty barrels of farina for 
slave food; also four iron boilers for cooking the food 
and four hundred spoons for feeding the slaves. A slave 
deck was laid, fitted with iron bars for securing the vic- 
tims. The Martha was sent as a prize to New York, 
where she was condemned in the United States District 
Court, but the captain forfeited his bail and escaped.^ 
In the early fifties the United States brig Porpoise 
^ Africa and the American Flag, pp. 287-292. 
Cxlviii] 



INTRODUCTION 

captured a brigantine slaver near the Niger River. 
Midshipman Wood w^as sent aboard as prize-master. 
"From the time we first got on board," he says, "we had 
heard moans, cries, and rumblings coming from below, 
and as soon as the captain and crew were removed, the 
hatches had been taken off, when there arose a hot blast 
as from a charnel house, sickening and overpowering. 
In the hold were three or four hundred human beings, 
gasping, struggling for breath, dying; their bodies, 
limbs, faces, all expressing terrible suffering. In their 
agonizing fight for life, some had torn or wounded 
themselves or their neighbors dreadfully; some were 
stiffened in the most unnatural positions. . . . For an 
hour or more we were all hard at work lifting and help- 
ing the poor creatures on deck, where they were laid out 
in rows. A little water and stimulant revived most of 
them; some, however, were dead or too far gone to be 
resuscitated. The doctor worked earnestly over each 
one, but seventeen were beyond human skill. As fast as 
he pronounced them dead they were quickly dropped 
overboard. . . . Their death did not in the least affect 
their fellows, who appeared perfectly indifferent and 
callous to all their surroundings, showing not the least 
sympathy or desire to help or wait on one another. . . . 
Gradually I allowed a larger number of the blacks to 
remain on deck, a privilege which they greatly enjoyed. 
To lie basking in the sun like saurians, half sleeping, 
half waking, appeared to satisfy all their wishes. They 
were perfectly docile and obedient, and not by word, 
gesture, or look did they express any dissatisfaction with 
orders given them. But again for any little acts of kind- 
ness they expressed no kind of appreciation or grati- 
tude." In due time they were landed in Liberia. This 

Cxlix] 



INTRODUCTION 

was the common disposition made of slaves recaptured 
by United States cruisers/ 

Concerning the fate of the blacks rescued by the naval 
cruisers, Captain Parker says: "When slaves are ac- 
tually on board a vessel, it is hard to say whether their 
condition is ameliorated by being recaptured or not. If 
they are recaptured, they cannot be restored to their 
homes, for they are taken from the interior, and if 
landed, the coast tribes make them prisoners again; so 
some other disposition must be made of them. If cap- 
tured by an English man-of-war, they are sent to Sierra 
Leone, or enlisted in the West India regiments; if an 
American man-of-war captures them, they are landed 
at Monrovia and apprenticed to the Liberians for a 
term of years; and if they are not slaves, their condition 
is so near it that I was unable to perceive the differ- 
ence."^ This may not have been a wholly unprejudiced 
opinion. 

After nearly a year's service on the African station, 
Lieutenant Dallas was sent home as prize-master in 
command of a captured slave-ship. He arrived in New 
York in June, 1859, and delivered his prize to the 
United States marshal. This proved to be his last active 
duty in the navy. A few weeks later he suddenly 
became mentally deranged and was placed upon wait- 
ing orders, where he remained, on account of disability, 
for several years. On December 16, 1864, he was re- 
tired as a lieutenant and March 12, 1867, he was pro- 
moted to commander on the retired list. He died Sep- 
tember 30, 1890. 

^ Atlantic Monthlj^ October, 1900: The Capture of a Slaver, by 
J. Taylor Wood. 

2 Recollections of a Naval Officer, p. 145. 

CI] 



INTRODUCTION 

The Papers of Lieutenant Dallas are owned by the 
Naval History Society and are in the library of the 
Society. The journal has been abridged in this volume 
by the omission of a few passages of merely private 
interest and of most, but not all, of the long and tedious 
records of nautical and meteorological observations. In 
the spelling of geographical names, where it seemed best 
to rectify it, the Century Atlas has nearly always been 
followed. Otherwise the papers have been subjected to 
the least possible revision. Some errors, obviously due 
to carelessness, have been corrected or explained by the 
insertion of words in brackets ; and punctuation has been 
amended when so doing has appeared essential to 
clearness. 

The editor wishes to express his obligations to the 
officials of the Harvard College Library, the Boston 
Public Library, the Massachusetts Historical Society, 
and the Marine Museum in Boston, and particularly to 
the secretary of the Naval History Society, whose aid 
has made the work possible. 



Uil 



THE PAPERS OF 
FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



THE PAPERS OF 
FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO LIEUTENANT 
A. J. DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
Oct. 17th, 1837. 
Sir, 

Your letter of the nth instant, in behalf of Mr. 
Francis Gregory Dallas, your son, for the appointment 
of Midshipman, has been received, & filed. 

At present no more appointments can be made, but 
the case will be respectfully considered. 
I am respectf 'y yrs &c. 

M. DlCKERSON.^ 

Lt. A. J. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
Boston, 
Mass. 

^ Mahlon Dickerson of New Jersey, Secretary of the Navy, ap- 
pointed by President Jackson, June 30, 1834. 



c n 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO LIEUTENANT 
A. J. DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
Feby. loth, 1838. 

Sir, 

Your letter of the 6th instant, is received. 
I am unable at this time to give any assurance as to 
the appointment of your son. 

I am respectfully 
Lt. A. J. Dallas, Yours, &c. 

U. S. Navy, M. DiCKERSON. 

Boston, 
Mass. 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO F. G. DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
April 2d., 1838. 
Sir, 

The President of the United States has referred to 
this Department your letter of the 17th ulto. 

There is not at present a single vacancy in the Corps 
of Midshipmen, and besides, the State of Massachusetts 
has the full share to which its population entitles it. 
I am respect'y 

Yours &c. 
Mr. Francis Gregory Dallas, M. DiCKERSON. 

Charlestown, 
Mass. 

1:23 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO LIEUTENANT 
A. J. DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
August 27th, 1838. 
Sir, 

Your letter of the 19th inst. has been reed. I would 
remark that the Corps of Midshipmen is full and that 
Massachusetts has now more than her quota; but if you 
have received any promise from my predecessor and 
will transmit it to the Department, it shall be consid- 
ered with all due respect. 

I am respectf'y 

Your ob. Servt. 
Lt. A. J. Dallas, J. K. Paulding.^ 

U.S.N. 
Boston, 
Mass. 



[ HON. SAMUEL CUSHMAN TO LIEUTENANT 
A. J. DALLAS ] 

Portsmouth, Newhampshire, 

24 June, 1839. 
Dear Sir, 

I have the honor of transmitting herewith, a letter 
from Judge Prentiss, which will convince you as well as 
myself, that we are not to have much aid from Vermont. 

^ James Kirke Paulding of New York, Secretary of the Navy, ap- 
pointed by President Van Buren, July i, 1838. 

[3: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

I wrote also to the Hon. Mr. Allen but have received 
no reply. He may have expressed an opinion to you 
relative to the subject we have so long had under con- 
sideration. 

I feel exceedingly anxious that your son should re- 
ceive the appointment which he so much desires. My 
best wishes to your family as well as your own prosper- 
ity and happiness. 

I remain, Sir, 

With Great esteem, 
Your obedient servant, 
A. J. Dallas, Esqr. Samuel Cushman.^ 

Lt. U. S. Navy, 
Cambridgeport, 
Mass. 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO F. G. DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
17 November, 1840. 
Sir, 

Your letter of the nth inst. has been reed. & Yours 
of the same date to the President has been referred to 
the Department. 

In reply you are informed that there is no vacancy in 
the Corps of Midshipmen. 

I am respectfully Yours, 

J. K. Paulding. 
Mr. Francis G. Dallas, 
Boston. 

^ Ex-Congressman from New Hampshire. 

1^1 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ ACTING SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO F. G. DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

4 Oct. 1 84 1. 
Sir, 

I have received your letter of the 25th ult. and will 
lay the same before the Secretary of the Navy, on his 
return to Washington. 

I am, respectfully. 
Your ob. servant, 

J. D. SIMMS,' 
Actg. Sec. of the Navy. 
Mr. Francis G. Dallas, 
Charlestown, Mass. 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO ACTING 
MIDSHIPMAN F. G. DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

November 8th, 1841. 
Sir: 

You are hereby appointed an Acting Midshipman in 
the Navy of the United States, and if your commanding 
officer shall, after six months of actual service at sea, 
report favorably of your character, talents, and qualifi- 
cations, a Warrant will be given to you, bearing the date 
of this letter. 

I enclose a description of the uniform, and the requi- 
site oath ; the latter, when taken and subscribed, you will 
1 Chief clerk of the Navy Department. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

transmit to the Department with your letter of accept- 
ance, in which you will state your age and place of 
nativity. 

Your pay will not commence until you shall receive 
orders for service. 

I am, respectfully, &c. 

A. P. Upshur.' 
Acting Midshipman 
Francis G. Dallas, 
(appointed at large) 
care of Commander 
A. J. Dallas, 
Boston. 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO ACTLNG 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
Nov. 24th, 1 841. 
Sir, 

You will report to Commo. Downes for duty on 
board the U. S. Receiving ship Columbus. 
I am, respectf'y, yours 

A. P. Upshur. 
Act'g Midn. 
Fras. G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
Boston. 

* Abel Parker Upshur of Virginia, Secretary of the Navy, ap- 
pointed by President Tyler, September 13, 1841. 

1:63 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



Kndorsement 
Navy Yard, Boston, 
Novr. 30th, 1 84 1. 

Sir, 

You will report to 
Captain Joseph Smith for duty on board the Rec'g Ship 
Columbus. 

Respectfully &c. 

J NO. DOWNES. 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO ACTING 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

Deer. 24, 1 841. 
Sir, 

You are hereby detached from the Recg. Vessel Co- 
lumbus, and will report to Commo. Downes for duty on 
board the Frigate Columbia. 

I am respectfiy, &c., 

A. P. Upshur. 

Act'g Midn. 

Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. S. Columbus, 
Boston. 



:73 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



Endorsement 
Sir, 

You will report to Capt. Parker^ for duty on board 
the Columbia, but until the crew of that ship is removed 
from the Columbus you will continue to do duty on 
board the latter ship. 

Resps. 

J NO. DOWNES. 



Navy Yard, Boston, 
28 Deer. 1841. 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
March 21st, 1843. 
Sir, 

Herewith you will receive a warrant, appointing you 
a Midshipman in the Navy of the United States from 
the 8th day of November 1841, the receipt of which you 
will acknowledge to this Department. 

I am, respectfully yours, 

A. P. Upshur. 
Midn. Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. Ship Columbia. 

1 Captain Foxhall A. Parker, U. S. Navy. 



cn 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

Jan'y ii, 1841;. 
Sir, 

You are hereby detached from the U. S. Ship Colum- 
bia and a leave of absence is granted to you for three 
months from this date, at the expiration of which you 
will report to this Department. 

You will inform the Department of every change of 
your residence in the mean time. 

I am, respectfully yours, 

J. Y. Mason.^ 
Midn. F. G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
Norfolk. 

* John Young Mason of Virginia, Secretary of the Navy, appointed 
by President Tyler, March 14, 1844. 



1:93 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
April 7th, 1845. 
Sir, 

Proceed to Pensacola and report to the Commandant 
for duty at the navy yard at that place. 
I am, respectfully, 

Your Obedient Servant, 
Geo. Bancroft.^ 
Midn 

F. G. Dallas, 

U. S. Navy, 
Fortress Monroe, 
Old Point Comfort, 
Va. 
Endorsed: 

Reported June loth, 1845. 
Geo. Nicholas Hollins, 
Commander. 

1 George Bancroft of Massachusetts, Secretary of the Navy, ap- 
pointed by President Polk, March 11, 1845. 



C'on 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
March loth, 1846. 
Sir, 

You are hereby detached from the Navy Yard, Pen- 
sacola, and you will report to the senior commanding 
officer at Pensacola for duty on the Home Squadron. 

You will inform the Department of the day on which 
you shall report in obedience to this order. 
I am respectfully yours, 

G. Bancroft. 

Midn Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 

Pensacola, Fla. 

Endorsement 
Sir, 

Report in obedience to the above order. 

Respy, 

W. K. Latimer, 

Comdt. ' 



Cii] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



Second endorsement 

U. S. Frigate Raritan, 
Pensacola, Mar. 19, 1846. 
Sir, 

You will report yourself, forthwith, to Captain An- 
drew Fitzhugh, for duty on board the U. S. Steam Ship 
Mississippi under his command. 

I am Respy. etc. 

F. H. Gregory, 
Capt. 
Midn Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy. 



[ MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO SURGEON HULSE ] 

Naval Hospital, Pensacola, 

June 3rd, 1846. 
Dr Sir, 

It is with feelings of unfeigned and heartfelt thank- 
fulness that I take this method of expressing to you my 
appreciation of the unremitting care and thoughtful 
attention I have received at your hands. 

Under the circumstances which I came to the Hos- 
pital of which you have charge, my situation so critical 
that the most sanguine supposed it next to impossible 
that I should recover, these making peculiarly alive to 
the benefit of the treatment received from yourself, one 
who must ever find pleasure in feeling grateful for his 
own actual experience of the same. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

I take this occasion and this manner to make you 

aware of the feelings I entertain relative to this, and 

hope you will receive it in the spirit in which it is made. 

With the best wishes for your continued health and 

happiness I remain very sincerely 

your obliged Friend & Obt Sert, 
Francis G. Dallas, 
To Isaac Hulse,^ U. S. Navy. 

in charge of Naval Hospital, 
Pensacola, Fla. 



[ SURGEON HULSE TO MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

U. S. Naval Hospital, Pensacola, 

June 3rd, 1846. 
Mr. Francis G. Dallas, 
Midn. U. S. Navy. 
Dear Sir, 

I take pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your 
letter of this date. It was penned, I perceive, on the 
occasion of your expected speedy discharge, cured, from 
the Hospital. It expresses the sentiments of a generous 
heart, because it evinces gratitude for supposed benefits 
conferred. Your recovery from your late serious injury 
has not been the result of any extraordinary medical or 
surgical skill exhibited by your medical attendants. 
You owe it to a constitution which I think may now be 
pronounced good, as I have had experience of it in more 
respects than one. 

The impatience you lately manifested to be at your 
post while important events were transpiring, has con- 
1 Surgeon, U, S. Navy. 

C13: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

vinced me that you are one of those who will do good 
service on some future day more pregnant of events even 
than those which we have just seen. Wishing you a 
continuity of health & a long life of happiness, 
I remain, very truly 

Your friend & Obt Sert, 

Isaac Hulse, 
Surgeon, U. S. Navy. 



[ COMMODORE CONNER TO MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

U. S. S. Cumberland, 

Pensacola Bay, 
June 4, 1846. 
Sir, 

Report to Comd'r W. J. McCluney, for duty on 
board the U. S. S. John Adams. 

I am, Very Resp'y etc. 

D. Conner,^ 
Comd'g Home Squadron. 
Mid. F. G. Dallas, 
U. S. N. 



[ midshipman DALLAS TO COMMODORE CONNER ] 

U. S. Sloop of War John Adams, 
off Vera Cruz, July 4th, 1846. 
Sir, 

. I beg leave to solicit permission to join the U. S. 

Steamer Princeton. I make this request reluctantly, 

1 Commodore David Conner, U. S. Navy. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

but feel I am justified in so doing by the state of my 
health, for did I consult my choice alone, I should re- 
main in this ship. 

I have found the climate to be injurious to me and 
feel sensibly the change even in the short time I have 
been here. 

I am in hopes to avoid again going to a Hospital by 
joining the Princeton, thinking she may shortly go 
farther North and knowing from previous experience 
that this would be of benefit to me and enable me to 
return with renovated health. I find too the duty on 
board of so active a vessel to be more than my health 
allows me to attend to with the alacrity I should wish, 
the duty on board of a steamer I think I should find 
lighter. I do not make this application solely upon my 
own opinion, the Doctor has said he thought the change 
would prove very beneficial; neither has any dissatis- 
faction influenced me, for I have reason to suppose that 
my conduct since attached to her has met with the ap- 
probation of Commander McCluney. 

I hope. Sir, the motives actuating me in making this 
request will be thought my sufficient excuse. 

I have the honor to be, very Resp Yr Obt Sert, 

Francis G. Dallas. 
Com'dore 

David Conner. 



liSl 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ COMMODORE CONNER TO MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

U. S. Ship Cumberland, 

off Vera Cruz, 
July 4th, 1846. 
Sir, 

Your letter of this day's date has been received. Your 
request to be transferred to the Princeton cannot be 
complied with, but if the state of your health is such as 
to prevent the performance of your duty on board the 
John Adams, leave will be granted you to go to the 
Naval Hospital at Pensacola, on the recommendation 
of the Surgeon of that ship, approved by the Surgeon 
of the Fleet. 

I am. Very Resp'y, etc. 

D. Conner, 
Comd'g. Home Squadron. 
Midshipman F. G. Dallas, 
U. S. Ship John Adams. 



[ MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO COMMODORE CONNER ] 

U. S. Ship John Adams, 

Septbr 1 6th, 1846. 
Sir, 

I beg leave to request permission to go North in the 
U. S. Schooner Flirt. My reasons for making this ap- 
plication are the following: 

During the last fourteen months I have three several 
times been forced by the state of my health to go to the 

[■6n 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Hospital; and am at present by the Surgeon's advice 
again an applicant for a Hospital. I think could I once 
get Home my native air would restore me. 

Another reason I have to present for your considera- 
tion is that I have never had a leave of absence since I 
entered the Navy; and have not been Home for up- 
wards of five years. In the latter part of this period of 
years I have lost my Father by death; this has left two 
younger sisters orphans ; also has left affairs which have 
long required my attention to arrange. I have been 
deterred from asking this permission from the time of 
my Father's death from an afifection of the lungs; this 
affection has been nearly removed; by a severe blow 
upon the head which produced concussion of the brain 
received last April. I beg leave to submit these reasons 
for your consideration. I have consulted Dr. Barring- 
ton who thinks this application advisable. 
I have the honor to be Sir 

very Respectfully, yr obt Servt, 
To Francis G. Dallas, 

David Conner, Midn U. S. Navy. 

Commander in Chief of the 
Naval Forces in the Gulf of Mexico. 



[ COMMODORE CONNER TO MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

U. S. Ship Cumberland, 
off Vera Cruz, Sept. i8, 1846. 
Sir, 

Your application of the i6th inst. to return home on 
account of ill health has been received. 

In consequence of the representation of Surgeon 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Barrington, permission is granted you to return to the 
North for the restoration of your health, and you will 
report to Lieut. Comd'g Sinclair for a passage in the 
Flirt to Norfolk. On your arrival at that place, you 
will report to the Department. 

I am, very respectfully, &c. 
Mids. D. Conner, 

Francis G. Dallas, Comd'g Home Squadron. 

U. S. Ship John Adams. 

[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
Nov. 4th, 1846. 
Sir, 

Your letter of the ist instant reporting your return 
from the Home Squadron on account of ill health has 
been received. 

Leave of absence for two months from this date is 
granted to you, at the expiration of which you will re- 
port to this Department. 

Under a regulation of the Department the Midship- 
men appointed since the 20th of Septr, 1841, are not 
ordered to the Naval School preparatory to the exami- 
nation next year. 

I am respectfully 

Yours, 
Midn. Francis G. Dallas, J. Y. Mason.^ 

U. S. Navy, 
Norfolk, Va. 

^ Secretary of the Navy, appointed for a second term by President 
Polk, September 10, 1846, 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

Jany 6th, 1847. 
Sir, 

For the reasons stated in your letter of the 3d instant, 
your leave of absence is hereby renewed for two months 
from this date, at the expiration of which you will re- 
port to this Department. 

I am, respectfully. 

Yours, 
Midn. Fras. G. Dallas, J. Y. MASON. 

U. S. Navy, 
Boston. 



[ MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY ] 

Boston, March 2nd, 1847. 
Sir, 

I beg leave to solicit orders to join the Squadron in 
the Gulf of Mexico by the first vessel that sails for that 
destination. 

I am anxious to have an opportunity of active service. 
I have the honor to be. Sir, 

very Respt yr obt Servt, 

Francis G. Dallas, 
The Honr. John Y. Mason, U. S. Navy. 

Secretary of the Navy, 
Washington, D. C. 

ni9: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY ] 

Boston, March 6th, '47. 
Sir, 

I beg leave to inform the Navy Department that my 
leave of absence expires this day. Thinking there will 
be active service in the Gulf I am anxious to throw aside 
all considerations of health and take part in them. 
I have the honor to be, Sir, very 

Respt. Yr. Obt. Servt, 
Francis G. Dallas, 
The Honbl. John Y. Mason, Midn. U. S. Navy. 

Secretary of the Navy, 
Washington, D. C. 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
March loth, 1847. 
Sir, 

Proceed to Norfolk, Va, without delay, and report to 
Commo. Skinner for duty on board the U. S. Sloop of 
War Saratoga. 

I am respectfully yours, 
Midn J. Y. MASON. 

Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
Boston. 

1:203 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Enclosure 

Extract from General order of January 30, 1846. 

"All officers will promptly acknowledge the receipt 
of orders, and inform the Department immediately on 
their having reported in obedience to them." 



[ MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY ] 

Boston, March 14th, 1847. 
Sir, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of orders 
from the Department this day, to join the U. S. Ship 
Saratoga at Norfolk. 

I shall obey with promptness. 
I have the honor to be. Sir, very truly 

your obt. sert, 

Francis G. Dallas. 
The Honr. 

John Y. Mason, 

Secretary of the Navy, 
Washington, D. C. 



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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ COMMODORE PERRY TO MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Yard, Vera Cruz, 
20th November, 1847. 
Sir, 

You will report yourself to Lieut. Comdt T. A. 
Hunt, for duty on board the U. S. Store Ship Electra 
under his command. 

On the arrival of the Electra at Pensacola, you will 
proceed to Washington, and report to the Honourable 
Secretary of the Navy. 

I am, respectfully. 

Your obt Sert, 
M. C. Perry,^ 
Commanding Home Squadron. 
Midshipman 
F. G. Dallas, 

U. S. Ship Saratoga. 



[ COMMANDER UPSHUR TO MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

U. S. Naval School, 

Annapolis, Md. 
May 6th, 1848. 
Sir, 

At your request and under your assurance that im- 
portant business demands your presence in Washington 
1 Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perr>', U. S. Navy. 
1:22:] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

and Philadelphia, leave of absence is hereby granted to 
you, until the loth inst. 

I am 
very respectfully 
Your obt. servt., 
G. P. Upshur, 
Midn Comdt. & Supt. 

F. G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
Present. 



[ SURGEON HARRINGTON TO PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN WYMAN ] 

Philadelphia, May 8th, 1848. 
Dear Sir, 

I have reed your note of the 6th inst. enclosed in a 
letter from Midn Dallas, of same date. 

I recollect that in the month of August (or perhaps 
in the latter part of July) 1846, Mr. Dallas in a fit of 
delirium jumped overboard from the John Adams 
when lying off Tampico, and that he was under treat- 
ment for some time with an affliction of the brain. I 
know also (although it did not come under my personal 
observation) that Mr. D. received a serious injury of 
the head a few months previously, on board the Missis- 
sippi. A detailed account of his case, while under my 
charge, is recorded in the Medical Journal of the J. 
Adams, which I suppose either has been, or soon will 
be, sent to the Bureau of Medicine & Surgery, and 
which will be much more precise and satisfactory than 
any statement I could make from memory alone. 

[23] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

This I presume may also be considered a reply to 
Mr. D's letter. If I can give any further information 
on the subject, I will do so cheerfully. 

Very respectfully your obt sert, 

Saml Barrington.^ 
Mr. R. Harris Wyman, U. S. N.^ 



[ ASSISTANT SURGEON TAYLOR TO MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Boston, May 15, 1848. 
Dear Sir, 

Your letter of the 7th Inst, was duly received, re- 
questing me to furnish you with a certificate of your 
former condition of health. 

I remember that you were on the sick list on board 
of the John Adams between Aug. 7th & Sept. 20th, 
1846, affected with Acute Meningitis, which was attrib- 
uted by Dr. Barrington and myself to an injury of the 
skull, received on board of the U. S. Steamer Missis- 
sippi. The first intimation that we had of your laboring 
under Mental Aberration, was your jumping overboard 
whilst at anchor off Tampico. If I remember rightly 
this state of things lasted several days. 

You can doubtless obtain from Dr. Barrington a cer- 
tificate, which would be of some service to you. 
Respectfully yours, 

J. WiNTHROP Taylor.^ 
[Mid. F. G. Dallas, U. S. Navy.] 

1 Surgeon, U. S. Navy. 

2 Brother-in-law of Midshipman Dallas. 

3 Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. 

1:243 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO MIDSHIPMAN HARRISON ] 

Naval School, 
Annapolis, 
May 24th, 

1848. 
Sir, 

Your attacks upon my reputation, your insult and in- 
jury, demand satisfaction, which I now insist upon re- 
ceiving from you. 

I am ready at present without a Friend, or with a 
Friend whom I have sent for, immediately upon his 
arrival. 

Respectfully, 

Francis G. Dallas. 
Midn. 

G. Harrison, 
U. S. N. 



[ MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO MIDSHIPMAN DIBBLE ] 

Naval College, 

Annapolis, 
May 24th, 

1848. 
Sir, 

Your attacks upon my reputation, your insult and in- 
jury, demand satisfaction, which I now insist upon re- 
ceiving from you. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

I am ready at present without a Friend, or with a 
Friend whom I have sent for, immediately upon his 
arrival. 

Respectfully, 
Midn Francis G. Dallas. 

G. M. Dibble, U. S. N. 



[ MR. HENDERSON TO MIDSHIPMAN GALE ] 

Naval School, 
Annapolis, 
28th May, 
[1848.] 
Sir, 

I am requested by Mr. Francis G. Dallas to inform 
you that he has in his possession a certificate from Sur- 
geon Barrington, U. S. N. & also letters from Mr. Jas. 
S. Thornton^ in refutation of the accusations brought 
by you against his character as a Gentleman. These 
have proved satisfactory to his friends. He now holds 
you to a personal account for your conduct in this mat- 
ter; he also does two other gentlemen. I am ready to 
receive from you any communications in relation to this 
matter, and as my time is limited, hope that you will 
give this your earliest attention. 

Respectfully, 

Francis W. Henderson. 
Midn Jno. Gale, 
U. S. Navy. 

* Passed Midshipman, U. S. Navy. In 1864 Thornton was lieu- 
tenant-commander and executive officer of the U. S. S. Kearsarge in 
her fight with the C. S. S. Alabama. 

L26-2 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ CERTIFICATE OF MR. HENDERSON ] 

I arrived at the U. S. Naval School, Annapolis, on 
Sunday Evening, 28th May, 1848, and soon after waited 
upon Mr. G. Harrison, U. S. Navy, with a note from 
Mr. F. G. Dallas. Mr. Harrison referred me to Mr. 
Coleman. Mr. Coleman informed me that the conduct 
to which Mr. Dallas took exception was founded on 
information given to them (Messrs Harrison and 
Dibble) by Mr. Jno. Gale, and requested a delay of two 
days until they could receive a letter from, or Mr. Gale 
could arrive in person at Annapolis, & then they could 
judge whether Mr. Dallas was entitled to satisfaction. 

I then called upon Mr. Dibble and was referred by 
him to Mr. Whiting. Mr. Whiting was conferring 
with Mr. Coleman at the time I found him, and he 
desired the same delay and for the same reasons as Mr. 
Coleman & in both instances I felt bound to make the 
concession. All this upon the 28th day of May, 1848, at 
the Naval School, Annapolis. 

Tuesday 6. P.M. I called on Mr. Coleman and in- 
formed him that we could see on our part no cause for 
further delay & unless Mr. Harrison met Mr. Dallas 
that he (Mr. Dallas) must make the matter public & 
afterwards demand a Court of Inquiry from the Secy. 
of the Navy. He refused to allow Mr. Harrison to 
meet Mr. Dallas until Mr. Gale's arrival, and even then 
with the proviso that these charges which they pretend 
to bring against Mr. Dallas are disproven. 

C273 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

I called on the 30th May upon Mr. Whiting and made 
the same statement to him as the above, and he declined 
peremptorily rec'g Mr. D's note for Mr. Dibble and 
stated further that it was his wish under circumstances 
to have declined rec'g Mr. Dallas' note on the 28th inst. 

Mr. Dallas on my arrival here requested me to hand to 
Mr. Gale a note dated upon the 21st, but I was pre- 
vented from seeking Mr. Gale, hearing that he was ex- 
pected here daily. I rec'd my information from Messrs 
Coleman & Whiting. I arrived here on the 21st inst. 

Mr. Coleman informed me, that, in the event of 
Messrs. Dibble & Harrison finding themselves able to 
prove their charges against Mr. Dallas, that they would 
save him the trouble of a Court of inquiry and intended 
to try him by Court martial. 

A true statement. 

Frank W. Henderson. 
F. G. Dallas, 
Naval School, 
May 30th, 1848. 



[ MIDSHIPMAN GALE TO MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Annapolis, Md. 
June 6th, '48. 
Sir, 

I acknowledge the rec't of a communication from 
yourself through Mr. Henderson. The attack upon 
your character, the insult, & the injury to yourself of 
which you complain consist in certain charges against 

1:28: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

you of long standing. These charges, Sir, you are well 
aware did not originate with the above, but for my par- 
ticipation in them (owing to the peculiar circumstances 
connected with the affair at the present moment) 1 will 
do you the honor (which I consider by no means justly 
your due) of giving you a meeting. You are aware, Sir, 
that in order to substantiate these charges fully I should 
be compelled to resort to measures as disagreeable to me 
as they ought to be to you & this is my reason for not 
bringing you to trial & through that trial to the punish- 
ment which you so richly deserve; a full statement of 
your conduct properly certified will be placed in the 
hands of my friends, also my motives in giving you a 
meeting, the first to prove clearly that I have stated 
nothing which is not susceptible of proof, & the second, 
that my character may not suffer by the act, on my part, 
of giving personal satisfaction to one whom I consider 
so wholly unworthy of it at the hands of a gentleman. 
All necessary preliminaries on my part will be arranged 
by my friends through whom you will receive this com- 
munication. 

(Signed) JNO. Gale, 
U. S. N. 
F. G. Dallas, U. S. N. 

Endorsed: 

We certify on honor that this is a true copy of a letter 
from Jno. Gale, Esq. to F. G. Dallas, which Mr. Dallas 
declined receiving. Copy furnished at Mr. Hender- 
son's request. 

Chas. C. Huxter 
Bladensburgh, F. W. HENDERSON 

June 7, 1848. 

1:291 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ CERTIFICATE OF DR. PALMER ] 

Bladensburgh, June 7th, '48. 
By request I was present, as surgeon, at a duel fought 
between Mr. Dallas and Mr. Gale; the former was 
wounded, the ball entering the deltoid muscle at the 
posterior part of the Axilla, and lodging in the Trape- 
zius muscle, between the posterior sup. Angle of the 
Scapula and the spine, paralyzing the muscle men- 
tioned, thereby rendering Mr. Dallas unable to raise his 
right arm; both parties were anxious for a second shot, 
this was prevented by my intervention. I can testify to 
the courage and firmness of both parties, on this occa- 

^'^^' W. Gray Palmer. 

P.S. 

By saying that both parties were anxious for a second 
shot, I mean that Mr. Dallas demanded it and the 
other party was willing to oblige him ; they were, as I 
said before, prevented by my intervention. 

W. G. P. 

[ COMMANDER UPSHUR TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY ] 

U. S. Naval School, 

Annapolis, 
June 8th, 1848. 
Sir, 

I am sorry to inform you, that a carriage came into 
the Yard about 8 o'clock last evening (7th Inst.) bear- 
ing Midn. Francis G. Dallas (wounded in the right 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

shoulder) and two of his room mates, who I presume 
received him from the cars at the Rail Road depot. 
The wound was no doubt received in a duel near 
Bladensburg and from a pistol ball fired by Midn Jno. 
Gale, now under expulsion from the school by sentence 
of a Court Martial. 

Midn Chas. C. Hunter is supposed (and beyond a 
doubt correctly) to have acted as the second of Mr. 
Gale. Mr. Dallas' second is unknown to me, but he is 
believed to be some gentleman not connected with the 
Naval School. 

Mr. Hunter, who was on the sick report, laboring un- 
der ophthalmia and unable to attend to his Academic 
duties, obtained my permission the night before "to visit 
the country" next morning. At a late hour the same 
night (the 6th) Mr. Dallas also applied by note for 
leave to go to Washington "on business & for the pur- 
pose of seeing the Secty of the Navy." To this note I 
did not reply, intending to see Mr. Dallas next day, and 
to require from him an assurance that he was not going 
away for the purpose of fighting a duel, with a pledge 
that he would not fight, nor make arrangements to fight 
during his absence. From a communication made to 
me a few days before, and, as he informed me, by your 
order or advice, I knew that he had such a step in con- 
templation, but inferred from the tenor of his remarks, 
that he would not carry it into effect while under my 
command. 

On going to my office, early next morning, I was 
greatly surprised at receiving through a servant a sec- 
ond note from Mr. Dallas, informing me that as he 
knew I was much engaged when his note was sent the 
night before, he supposed I was unable to attend to it, 

C30 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

and that not doubting I would grant the leave for which 
he asked, he had decided to start in the early cars of 
next morning. This he did, without my permission, 
and returned the same evening, wounded, as before 
stated. The ball was extracted and the wound dressed 
probably on the ground. I am happy to state that Sur- 
geon Lockwood considers the wound slight, and sees no 
cause at present to apprehend a fatal or serious result. 

On calling Mr. Hunter to my office this morning, 
and interrogating him on the subject, he told me 
promptly, that as the affair would in all probability be 
subjected to further official investigation, he thought 
that answering questions would or might implicate him- 
self, and that therefore, he must respectfully decline to 
answer. He informed me, however, that Messrs Gale 
& Dallas were the only officers who returned with him 
in the cars. 

The circumstantial evidence against Mr. Hunter is so 
conclusive in my own mind, that I have deemed it 
proper to suspend him from privileges with orders to 
confine himself to the limits of the school and attend as 
usual to his studies. 

Mr. Dallas being in no danger, I have thought it 
best that I should not see him at present, and re- 
spectfully ask your instructions in regard to him & Mr. 
Hunter. 

Mr. Gale has, I presume, returned to the Eastern 
shore in the boat of this morning. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 

with great respect your obt. St., 
G. P. Upshur, 
Hon. Jno. Y. Mason, Comd. & Supt. 

Secty. of the Navy, 
Washington. 

Lz2l 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ PASSED MIDSHIPMAN WYMAN TO 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Washington, D. C. 
[June 9th, 1848.] 
Dear Frank, 

I heard yesterday of your misfortune in getting shot, 
but could not learn from very good authority the cir- 
cumstances, but was assured by Blanton that it was a 
trifle. I am inclined to believe he was on the ground. 
I intended going down yesterday afternoon, but from 
Blanton's relation of the circumstances was induced to 
wait until I heard, which I did this morning from Otis. 
Carter told me that at the depot he met Mr. Magaw 
going to Annapolis, that he spoke of the duel and seemed 
annoyed that you were the one wounded. I would ad- 
vise you not to give Mr. Dibble satisfaction in any way, 
should he at this distant date ask for it, but hide him if 
he opens his lips. Harrison I am inclined to believe did 
not intend to get into a fight and by proper measures no 
disagreeable circumstances will arise from it. I trust 
that now you will let Mr. Gale rest for the present. I 
will when I see you tell you my plan, if you intend hav- 
ing revenge. Your character has nothing to do with 
that and years might first elapse — it would make no 
difference — but I would never express even an intention 
if you entertain it of having such; revenge should be 
taken slowly but surely and in such a manner as does not 
expose yourself. You must recover as quickly as you 
can for your examination, practice using your left hand 
so that should you not have the use of your right you 
may use that in your examination, or otherwise there 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

could be no objection for some person ignorant of the 
questions &c. to place on paper figures at your dictation. 
Emily was yesterday noon much troubled until I found 
out how the affair was. Get some one to write me how 
you get on — and should you wish me to come down, 
write up. 

Your attached friend, 

Wyman. 



[ MR. HENDERSON TO MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Friedland (near) 
Fredericksburgh, 

Va. 
My dear Dallas, 

I wrote you from Baltimore but fearing that you did 
not receive my letter, I write again. I hope you are fast 
recovering from your wound, & if you should want me, 
or I should be required as a witness in your Court of 
Inquiry a letter directed here will reach. Write me 
how you are. In haste, 

truly yours, 

Frank W. Henderson, 
Fredericksburgh, 
Va. 
F. G. Dallas, Esq., 
Annapolis, Md. 



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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



Copy of Correspondence with the President of the 
United States and Hon. Secretary of the Navy rela- 
tive to the Duel at Bladensburg. 



[ MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY ] 

Naval School, Annapolis, June 17th, 1848. 
Sir, 

I beg leave most respectfully and urgently to request 
that a delay of a week or two may be made in my case 
(relative to the recent duel). My reasons are as fol- 
lows, I feel convinced I can present my Situation and 
the strong causes which absolutely forced me to take 
this course in so strong a light before the President as to 
induce him to alter his views, if they be now unfavor- 
able to me, when he becomes aware of the attacks made 
upon my character and my reputation, of the persecu- 
tion it was attempted to make me subject of ; also when 
he knows that I appealed to you, Sir, for a court of In- 
quiry, which in your Judgment was thought unneces- 
sary, I hope he will find cause to look more leniently 
upon me. 

I ask for this delay to enable me to recover my health 
sufficiently to lay my case personally before the Presi- 
dent. I beg leave to solicit you. Sir, to lay this letter 
before the President of the United States. I think my 
peculiar position will be a warrant for pursuing this 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

course and I earnestly hope, Sir, this will meet with 
your approbation. 

I am, Sir, very Respectfully 
Yr. Obdt. Servt., 

Francis G. Dallas, 
Midn, U. S. Navy. 

Honble 

J. Y. Mason, 

Secretary of the Navy, 
Washington, 
D. C. 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
June 20th, 1848. 
Sir, 

I have received your letter of the 17th inst. 
Your case will be decided as soon as the Department 
receives an answer to its communication to you, of this 
day, enclosing a copy of a report of the Superintendent 
of the Naval School dated the 8th inst. 

I am resp'y 

your ob. svt, 

J. Y. Mason. 

Midn Francis G. Dallas, 
Naval School, 

Annapolis, Md. 

C36] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY ] 

U. S. Naval School, 
Annapolis, Md., June 21st, 1848. 
Sir, 

In answer to your communication of the 20th inst. I 
have to state that I admit without hesitation the fact of 
having been engaged in a duel fought at Bladensburg 
on the 7th inst. and although I do not attempt to justify 
this, I think I can show you sufficient cause to make you. 
Sir, look leniently upon this act. I enclose a full state- 
ment of the circumstances which drove me to this 
course, and which indeed did not leave me any other to 
pursue. I now throw myself upon the justice and the 
clemency of the Department and President in this mat- 
ter. I applied to Commander Upshur for leave, as- 
signing as a reason my desire to visit Washington, to see 
you, Sir; this was my wish when I wrote the note, the 
reason this, to make another effort for a court of In- 
quiry, or some other action in my case. Circumstances 
occurred that evening which rendered it necessary and 
in fact which involved a point of honor, and of course 
obliged me to leave in the morning. I obtained permis- 
sion of the Doctor to leave the Fort; being under his 
treatment, this permission was to leave the Fort next 
morning. 

I do not attempt to conceal the wrong I have done, 
Sir, in this matter, but think my causes were of so strong 
a nature as to mitigate this in the eyes of the Depart- 
ment. 

1:373 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

I made no promise or Pledge to Commander Upshur 
not to be engaged in a Duel while at the School; he 
could have inferred from my remarks that I should try 
to avoid this course. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 
Very Respt. 

Yr. Obt. Servt, 



Francis G. Dallas. 



Hon. 
John Y. Mason, 

Secretary of the Navy, 
Washington, D. C. 



[ MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE SECRETARY 

OF THE NAVY ] 

Naval School, Annapolis, 

June 2 1 St, 1848. 
Sir, 

In reply to your communication of the 20th inst. I beg 
leave to present the following Statement of my position 
and of the course of persecution that has sought to make 
me the subject of, and sufferer from, 

About the ist of May last I was informed by a Lady 
(my private feelings towards whom I will not dwell 
upon, but will pass these by, remembering that all the 
nearer and dearer feelings of which man is capable 
were outraged in the most ungenerous and unmanly 
manner) ; to continue, I was informed by this Lady that 
a person or persons had warned her against myself, that 
I was wild and dissipated, that my brother officers 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

would not associate with me, and several other slan- 
derous reports, she declined mentioning any names ; all 
these have been and can be again shown to be false and 
malicious. It is notorious in the School that I am 
neither wild or dissipated. After leaving this Lady I 
revolved in my mind who in the Naval School was my 
known enemy; the only man I knew positively to be 
inimical towards me was Midn Jno. Gale. This person 
I had been on board of the Frigate Columbia with three 
years, most of this time without even exchanging the 
common civilities of the day; he was, and it admits of 
proof, my enemy. I went to him, I asked him if he had 
made any assertions, or taken any report to a Lady 
against me; he told me he had and to my utter astonish- 
ment and entire amazement, added that he knew I had 
been guilty of falsehood while on board the U. S. Ship 
John Adams two years since; he added that this he 
could prove before the whole school, and called upon 
another person by whom he asserted he could substan- 
tiate this; he added furthermore that I had acted dis- 
honorably with a Friend of mine, Midn Thornton, on 
board of the Columbia Frigate some five years since. 
These charges coming to me in this manner for the first 
time, with an assertion of being capable of proof, would 
not have made me hesitate one moment, had I not 
known that for several weeks of my life I had been par- 
tially deranged and actually delirious, the charge of 
falsehood which is asserted to have occurred the very 
day before I had jumped overboard from delirium and 
endeavored to drown myself; this last knowledge made 
me hesitate, for I saw at once that a man who was my 
enemy had me at a disadvantage and was disposed to 
use it, the only refutation I had was my simple denial; 

1:393 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

these passed with the rapidity of thought through my 
mind. I answered to Mr. Gale, "I have no recollection 
of their occurrence, if they did occur I was not in pos- 
session of my right senses." I added, "can you. Sir, look 
at me and say you believe these charges true? you know 
you are an enemy of mine, you know you have me at a 
disadvantage, are you. Sir, acting conscientiously?" He 
said he was (a most strange way of showing this feeling, 
where was his legal method). I left him saying, "you 
have the advantage of me, I wish you would not act for 
a few days." I was at this time laboring under a state of 
the greatest mental excitement from the fact of the deep 
outrage my warmest feelings had met with and did not 
act as cooly as I should have done under other circum- 
stances. I have in my possession a letter from Surgeon 
Harrington (surgeon of the John Adams), which states 
that I, while in a fit of delirium, jumped overboard and 
tried to drown myself, and suffered sometime after- 
wards from an affection of the brain; this is the very 
time I am charged with falsehood. Here some explana- 
tion is necessary relative to the promoting causes of 
alienation of mind. On the 26th day of April, 1846, 
while in the execution of my duties on board of the 
U. S. Steamship Mississippi, I received a severe Con- 
tusion and I think fracture of the skull from some heavy 
bags of coal falling upon my head. I remained at the 
Hospital at Pensacola untill the 8th of June following, 
some five weeks after the accident; in the meantime the 
war with Mexico was declared. I gained the consent 
of the surgeon under whose charge I was (after impor- 
tuning him for some time) to leave the Hospital, 
anxious to be near the scene of active service. I joined 
the John Adams five weeks after this accident, my brain 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Still in a delicate state; while on board of the Adams I 
suffered daily from pains in my head and finally jumped 
overboard in delirium. Now, Sir, I solemnly assert 
that I have no recollection nor consciousness (and 
really believe this charge to be malicious) of what I am 
charged with; did it occur, it must have been when I 
was not in the possession of my right senses. Now is 
there any fairness, any justice in making me responsible 
for words or acts when suffering under the dispensation 
of the Almighty? Why have I been allowed to wear 
my uniform, to remain in the Service years after these 
things are said to have occurred, why have I been as- 
sociated with by my brother officers, why were they not 
brought forward in a legal form, why first uttered to a 
Lady? For about ten days from the time I first had 
knowledge of these reports I was engaged using every 
effort to obtain disproof; for the truth of this assertion 
I refer to Pasd. Midn R. H. Wyman. In the meantime 
scandalous reports were freely circulated among my 
brother officers, affecting my character as a gentleman ; 
one person came to me and told me he had circulated 
reports about me, that he was my enemy, or words to 
this effect, another person told me that he stood in my 
path between a Lady and myself, this person being at 
the same time almost a stranger to both this Lady and 
myself; a few days after I was one evening informed 
that a meeting of the members of the school (without 
any legal authority or knowledge of the Commander) 
was to be called, and that I was at liberty to attend, 
doubtless supposing I would fear to attend it and would 
allow myself to be crushed without resistance; at 5 
o'clock that evening the bell rang by preconcerted sig- 
nal, I went to the Recitation hall; one against upwards 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

of 80 Gentlemen I took one side of the hall facing the 
assemblage, come there like a modern semblance of the 
Inquisition. After some remarks to this effect that re- 
ports were in circulation against a member of the school 
seriously affecting his character, I then said to the assem- 
blage, "Gentlemen I am the person pointed at. I have 
not the slightest hesitation in telling you all, and am 
prepared to meet you." They proceeded (I mean the 
Clique who have taken up arms against me) to elect a 
committee. Some friend alike of justice and of myself 
moved and it was carried to allow me to object to any 
member, with or without reasons; but to be brief, the 
meeting was an entire failure, the sense of the majority 
condemning this course. I then told any who were 
friendly disposed towards me, I was prepared and will- 
ing to refute and explain away the charges made against 
me, but for my enemies I defied them one and all. This 
is but a brief account of an attempt to put me down 
which by myself I mastered ; now after this what person 
of any justice or firmness can blame [me] for personally 
resisting this system of persecution, could I tamely sub- 
mit without a struggle, for of what value is life without 
character? I endeavored to get personal satisfaction 
from those who had personally and in the grossest man- 
ner insulted me ; they refused to give it to me until I had 
cleared myself from charges which they evidently 
shrank from bringing forward in a legal manner, will- 
ing to stake my reputation, to injure me vitally by 
slander, but unwilling to give me satisfaction or treat 
me fairly, willing in short to ruin my character with 
my brother officers, to injure me in every way, but un- 
willing to take proper and legal measures to prove (if 
they admit of proof) the accusations which [they] 

1:42: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

bring against me, or pretend to do. I now went in per- 
son to you, Sir, the Honorable Secretary of the Navy. I 
laid before you to the best of my recollection the posi- 
tion in which I was placed, the charges brought against 
me, the course pursued towards me, the manner in 
which I had acted. I appealed to you for advice and I 
asked you to grant me a Court of Enquiry. You in your 
judgment thought this unadvisable. I returned to the 
school, I found cold looks and colder actions from a 
number of my brother officers, I found I should be put 
in Coventry, I should in short be forced to leave the 
Service with my [reputation] resting under a stigma. I 
had already used every effort in my power; my last re- 
sort was to make those who had insulted me fight, in the 
hope of getting some satisfaction for my wrongs; the 
result you know. Sir. I have a severe wound added to 
my previous injuries. Now I think. Sir, that no person 
with one spark of spirit, or who felt his own innocence, 
could have refrained any longer, even if they could so 
long, in acting as I did. I do not attempt to justify duel- 
ling as a principle, for upon principle I am opposed to 
it. I will not say how great the struggle to go in oppo- 
sition to my ideas of right was, but in this case, one 
wrong I was forced to commit to overcome a far greater 
and more heinous one; I mean the endeavor to ruin me. 
I offer this statement. Sir, from the best of my recollec- 
tion, a great deal admits of direct proof. I enclose the 
copy of a letter from Surgeon Harrington, relative to 
the condition of my brain; the charges of dissipation, 
and my not being associated with by my brother officers, 
are so notoriously untrue, I pass them over, saying that 
I can bring the majority of the school to refute them. 
You will see. Sir, I have first endeavored to avoid any 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

serious difficulties, by going to work from the first to 
clear my character; but Mr. Gale and his friends, by 
their system of persecution, by their attack upon my 
character, their contumely, by their ungenerous and 
unmanly course, left me no other alternative but to seek 
for satisfaction from my own hands. I thought, until 
informed (through an Uncle of the Lady) to the con- 
trary, that Mr. Gale was a relation of her's; this was 
asserted, by whom I know not, but was generally circu- 
lated. I now find that the family of this Lady do not 
consider Mr. Gale as a relation, in short do not know 
or recognize him as such and his interference was un- 
warranted, unasked, and I must add malicious. The 
report that Mr. Gale was a relative of the Lady seemed 
in a measure to sanction his interference, therefore 
making my own position one in which I suffered more 
from than I could do had his really unjustifiable, un- 
called for, and impertinent interference been known 
and properly understood. I have endeavored to be as 
brief as possible, but it is absolutely requisite that my 
whole case should be understood by those who have the 
power to see justice done. I should wish if possible to 
avoid any unnecessary publicity, not for my own sake, 
but as it would be very unpleasant to bring any lady's 
name or family forward. I myself have endeavored 
studiously to avoid this, and if others had followed my 
course, no one need have known that a Lady was at all 
concerned. I submit this for the consideration of the 
President and Department, feeling sure that justice will 
be done; the records of the Department will show my 
official character stands unblemished. The following 
gentlemen, Mr. Otis, Mr. Magaw, Mr. Comegys, Mr. 
Bier, Mr. Langhorne and a number of others are aware 

[443 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

of my general course in this matter, the first are ship- 
mates of mine. Mr. Otis was on board of the John 
Adams with me all the time I was attached to that 
vessel. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, very Respt. 
yr. Obdt Servt, 

Francis G. Dallas. 



[ CAPTAIN MORGAN TO PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

U. S. Naval School, 
Annapolis, Md., July 4th, 1848. 
Sir: 

I have the pleasure to inform you that you have 
passed your Examination. 

I am. Sir, 

Respectfully, 

Your obe't serv't. 
Chas. W. Morgan,^ 
President of the Board of Examiners. 
To Passed Mid'n 
F. G. Dallas, 

U. S. Navy. 

1 Captain, U. S. Navy. 



1:453 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

July 6th, 1848. 
Sir, 

Having passed your examination you are hereby de- 
tached from the Naval School and you will proceed to 
your home in Boston, and regard yourself as waiting 
orders. 

I am, respectfully, 

Your obt sert, 

J. Y. Mason. 
Midn F. G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
Annapolis, 
Md. 



[ PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY ] 

Boston, Septbr 3rd, 1848. 
Sir, 

I beg leave respectfully to request to be attached to 
one of the Bremen line of Mail Steamers, or any one 
which by act of congress is required to receive Passed 
Midshipmen as officers. 

I have paid attention to the theory of steam and am 
very anxious to pursue its study, as well as its practice, 

1:463 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

and should have a fine opportunity for this on board of 
a Mail Steamer. 

I am, Sir, very Respectfully, 
yr obdt. Servant, 

Francis G. Dallas, 
Honbl. Pd. Midn. 

John Y. Mason, 

Secretary of the Navy. 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO LATE PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

September 9th., 1848. 
Sir, 

The report of the Superintendent of the Naval 
School, dated the 8th of June, a copy of which was fur- 
nished you by the Department, has been submitted to 
the President of the United States, together with the 
explanations subsequently received from you. 

Upon a due consideration of all the circumstances of 
the case, the President has thought proper to direct that, 
for the offence reported by Commander Upshur, you be 
dismissed from the Service. 

You will accordingly from this date be n.o longer con- 
sidered an officer in the Navy of the United States. 
I am, respectfully, 

Your obedt. Servt, 
Francis G. Dallas, J. Y. MASON. 

Late Pd. Midn, U. S. Navy, 
Boston. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ LATE PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ] 

Boston Septbr 12th, 1848. 

TT A/r A/r No. 96 Pinckney street. 

Hon. Mr. Mason, ^ ^ 

Sir, 

I received this day a letter from your Department 

dismissing me from the Navy for having been engaged 

in a duel. I wish to ask you as Mr. Mason if I must 

consider the chances of my being reinstated, also if you 

will inform me if 1 alone sujfer and if Midn Gale and 

Hunter have not also been dismissed from the Navy. 

The President has been guilty of a gross act of injustice 

in placing me upon the same footing with those who 

grossly injured me and literally drove me to fight a 

duel; and in refusing me protection! You will confer 

a favor by giving me your opinion as to whether I must 

regard this dismissal as finally shutting me out of the 

^vy. J remain Very Resptf ully 

Yr Obdt. Servt, 
J. Y. Mason, FRANCIS G. Dallas. 

Secretary of the Navy. 

Endorsed: 

Messrs. Gale & Hunter are dismissed, by the same 
order which dismissed you. I return your letter, as you 
will at once be satisfied, that I am not the correspondent 
to whom you can with propriety address a letter reflect- 
ing on the President of the United States for his acts in 
discharge of his official duty. It is impossible that I 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

can give any opinion on the question you propound, as 
to the probability of your reinstatement. It will not 
probably be promoted by such language as you employ 
in this letter. 

J. Y. M. 
D. 128. Sept 1 6th, [1848]. 



[ LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DE RUSSY TO LATE PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Fort Monroe, Virga. 

Septr 20th, 1848. 
My dear Dallas, 

Your letter of the 15th inst. reached me day before 
yesterday; the previous one, giving me to understand 
that you were out of the Service, was received a day or 
two previously; their contents have been duly weighed 
and considered by me, and I have come to the following 
conclusions, viz. that "Examples, for the good of the 
Service" have, at times, to reach the doubtful, as well 
as the positive, cases of insubordination; that there gen- 
erally is a revision, and frequently a re-action in those 
divisions, and that yours is likely to be one of those cases. 
In other words, I believe that for the moment, your 
position could not be well separated from those who had 
to meet the penalty of the Law, but that a reconsidera- 
tion of your case, by the Executive, will in time take 
place, and that you will be restored to your original 
position in the Navy. 

Viewing the subject as I do, I would enjoin upon you 
to keep quiet for a short time ; during that time it would 
be well to put together all the Facts connected with your 

1:49] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Case, and to make a Respectful application, through 
your Senator in Congress for a Reinstatement. In your 
Memorial (if it so can be called) throw aside all ill 
feeling and assume the high position which becomes 
your case best; you did trespass against the Rules of the 
Service and you must show strong grounds for having 
done it, without deserving the punishment prescribed 
for in like cases. Let those grounds embrace a matter 
of fact statement of the combination entered against, 
and the alternative left you; and attach to this such 
documents as you can gather as to your standing at the 
Department, and such other proofs as can be collected 
by you from the senior officers of the school who are con- 
versant with the circumstances. Let your statement be 
Respectful, consise and to the point, and I am much 
mistaken if it has not the desired effect. 

Congress meet again shortly, advise with the Senator 
from your district and let him take the matter in hand, 
to be placed before the President at the opening of the 
Session; if he fails in this, he may perhaps make it a 
matter of investigation by the Senate. 

I am almost a stranger now in the City of New York, 
particularly with those who could assist you in your 
present Plans. I will however, endeavor to ascertain 
who could, among the few I know, assist in it; in the 
meantime let me know what you think of the advice I 
herein give you. 

All at home desire to be kindly remembered to you. 
I beg you will make my best Regards to Miss Etheridge 
and believe me, 

my dear Dallas, Your sincere friend, 

R. E. DeRussy, 
Lt. Colo. Engrs. 

1:50] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO LATE PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
September 25th, 1848. 
Sir, 

I have received your letter of the 21st inst. 
Your service in the Navy as Midshipman and Passed 
Midshipman was from Novr. 8th, 1841, to Septr. 9th, 
1848, a period of six years and ten months. Your official 
standing was not prejudiced at the Department by any 
reports or charges, until you were reported for the of- 
fence for which, by order of the President, you were 
dismissed. That ofifence was, being engaged in fighting 
a duel while attached to the Naval School. 

There was nothing in the report which affected your 
character, or made you subject to a dishonorable dis- 
charge. 

I am resp'y 

your ob. se't., 
Francis G. Dallas, Esq., J. Y. MASON. 

Boston. 



[ CAPTAIN PARKER TO THE PRESIDENT ] 

Navy Yard, Boston, 
December 8th, 1848. 
Sir, 

At the request of Mr. Francis G. Dallas late a Pas-d 
Midn in the U. S. Navy I address you with a request 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

that he may be restored to his rank in the Navy. Mr. 
Dallas served under my command, on his first entrance 
in the service, on board the Frigate Columbia; I then 
found him always attentive to duty. I considered him 
a promising young officer. I have repeatedly met him 
since then and have great pleasure in stating that from 
my own observation & the report of Officers, who have 
sailed with him, his conduct has been uniformly correct 
& gentlemanly. I have seen a letter to Mr. Dallas from 
the Secretary of the Navy in which the Secry says that 
until he was reported for the offence, for which he was 
dismissed, the official standing of Mr. Dallas was not 
prejudiced at the Department by any report or charges. 
And also that there was nothing in the report for that 
offence, which affected his character or made him sub- 
ject to a dishonorable discharge. 

As his was a first offence, I am in hopes you will be 
induced to revise your decision &, by restoring him to 
his rank, take from him the stigma which must always 
attach to one who is dismissed from the Service. 
With great Respect I am 
Your most Obt. Servt, 

(Signed) FOXHALL A. PARKER, 
Captain, U. S. Navy., Comdg 
Boston Navy Yard. 
To 

James K. Polk, . 
President of the 

United States of America. 



n52] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ ABBOTT LAWRENCE, ESQ., TO THE PRESIDENT ] 

Boston, Dec. nth, 1848. 
Sir, 

I write this note at the request of Mr. Francis G. Dal- 
las and to ask a high favour, which is no other than to 
restore him to the rank formerly held by him in the 
Navy. I am aware that he transgressed the rules of the 
Navy and, with entire justice, those rules were applied 
to him. From my knowledge of the character of Mr. 
Dallas, and the testimony of several of the highest and 
most distinguished Officers in the navy, I entertain no 
doubt of his being a proper subject for the Executive 
pardon and restoration to his former standing as an 
Officer. There is no other shade upon his character, but 
this one offence, and I cannot but hope under all the 
circumstances (if consistent with your principles and 
practices) that Mr. Dallas may resume his former posi- 
tion to the service of his Country, where I trust he may 
prove himself worthy of the Executive clemency. 

I have the honour to remain, 

Sir, Your Obt. Servt, 

(Signed) ABBOTT LAWRENCE. 
To his Excellency, 
James K. Polk. 



Zszl 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDER UPSHUR ] 

U. S. N. School, Annapolis, 

15th Decbr, 1848. 
Mr. Francis G. Dallas, late passd Midn in the U. S. 
Navy, served under my command at this school about 8 
months of the current year; and during that time I 
found him uniformly correct in his deportment, respect- 
ful, obedient to orders & attentive to his studies, in 
which he made good progress while at the school. 

The ofifence against the laws of the service, for which 
Mr. Dallas was dismissed, is the only one of conse- 
quence committed by him, while under my command, 
to the best of my knowledge & ability. 

(Signed) G. P. Upshur, 

Commdg N. School. 



[ LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DE RUSSY TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ] 

To the Hon. 

John Y. Mason, 

Secretary of the Navy, 

Washington. 

Old Point Comfort, Virga. 

Q. December 29th, 1848. 

oi r, 

The enclosed letters and certificates are respectfully 
placed before you, with a request that they may be for- 
warded to his Excellency the President of the United 
States, with such remarks as you may deem expedient 
to append to them. 

1:543 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

The object is to solicit a re-consideration in the case 
of young Dallas who was unfortunately engaged in a 
duel, last summer, whilst attached to the Naval School. 
There were many mitigating circumstances connected 
with this unfortunate afTair, but he does not now pretend 
to vindicate his conduct on the occasion; time and re- 
flection have satisfied him that he might have pursued a 
different course without violating the Rules of the insti- 
tution. He in consequence makes a respectful applica- 
tion, through his friends, for a re-consideration of the 
Sentence passed upon him; had he been able to do it in 
person, the documents here inclosed would have been 
presented by himself, but he has been confined to his 
Room and bed by an attack of Typhoid fever for nearly 
two Months, and though convalescent is still too feeble 
to attend to it personally. 

Feeling a deep interest in the welfare of my young 
friend Dallas, I hope you will pardon me when I take 
this occasion to state that he was at the time of his dis- 
missal the only surviving member (serving in the Navy) 
of a large family who had devoted themselves to the 
Naval Service of this country; Capt. B.W. Booth, Capt. 
Wm Boerum and Midshipman Thomas Browne were 
his Uncles, all these together with his father have died 
in the Service. 

Permit me. Sir, under all these circumstances to add 
my commendation to those here presented for Executive 
consideration and to request your personal clemency in 
his behalf. 

With the highest Respect 
I have the honor to be. 
Sir, Your obt. Servt., 

R. E. DeRussy, 
Lt. Colo Engrs. 

[553 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



Enclosure 

List of letters and of other papers forwarded to the 
Hon. J. Y. Mason, secretary of the Navy, on the 29th 
of December, 1848, with Lt. Colo DeRussy's letter, re- 
questing a reconsideration in the case of F. G. Dallas, 
late passed Midshipman in the Navy. 

No. I. Letter from Abbott Lawrence, Esqr., dated Bos- 
ton, Deer I ith, 1848. To his Excely the Presi- 
dent of the U. States. 

" 2. Letter from Capt. Parker, U. S. Navy, dated 
Boston, Deer 8th, 1848. To his Excely the 
President of the U. States. 

" 3. Certificate of Captn Downes, U. S. Navy, dated 
Boston, Dec 5th, 1848. 

" 4. Letter from Captn Tattnall, U. S. Navy, dated 
Boston, Dec. i, 1848. To the Honble the Secre- 
tary of the Navy. 

" 5. Statement given by Capt. G. P. Upshur, U. S. 
Navy, dated U. S. Naval School, Annapolis, 
15th Dec, 1848. 

" 6. Copy of letter from Capt. E. R. Shubrick, U. S. 
Navy, dated Monte Video, 4th Dec. 1842, to 
the Secy of the Navy. 

" 7. Copy of letter from Captn Parker, U. S. Navy, 
dated New York May 31, 1842, to the Secy of 
the Navy. 

" 8. Letter from Capt. E. R. Shubrick to Midship- 
man Dallas, dated Rio de Janeiro, July i8th, 

1843. 

:56] 



PAPERS OF FRx^NCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

No. 9. Letter from Lieut. J. R. Goldsborough, U. S. 

Navy, to Midshipman Dallas, dated Toulon, 

May 22nd, 1844. 
" 10. Letter from Captn S. L. Breese, U. S. Navy, to 

Midshipman F. G. Dallas, dated Mahon, Octr 

1 8th, 1844. 
" II. Testimonial of Lieut. F. Chatard, U. S. Navy, 

dated harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Jan. 27, 1844. 
" 12. Recommendation of Capt. D. Geisinger, U. S. 

Navy, to the Board of Examiners, dated Jany 

20th, 1845. 
" 13. Letter of Captn W. J. McCluney, U. S. Navy, 

to Midshipman Dallas, dated off San Anton 

Lizardo, 18 Sept., 1846. 
" 14. Letter from Captn D. G. Farragut, U. S. Navy, 

to Midshipman Dallas, dated Vera Cruz, Nov. 

29, 1847. 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO LATE PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
January 30th, 1849. 
Sir: 

The relative position which you occupied at the 
examination referred to in your letter of the 24th Inst, 
as reported to the Department, is indicated by the num- 

^^^ 74- respectfully, 

Yr: obt. st, 
Francis G. Dallas, Esq., J. Y. MASON. 

No. 1 1 Warren Street, 
New York. 

1:57] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE GERMAN MINISTER TO LATE PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

German Legation. 

New York, 23 May, 1849. 
Sir, 

I hereby approve of & confirm the arrangement made 
with you by my agents regarding your services on board 
the German Steam Ship United States, commanded by 
Capt. Palmer. It is expected of you that during the 
voyage of said Steam Ship to Europe you will assist in 
training and disciplining the men and render such other 

t 1 • J r commissioned rri _ 

services as may be claimed from ^.^^^^^^ oiiicers on 
board of a man-of-war; that on your arrival at Bremer- 
haven or sooner (if practicable and deemed expedient 
by Mr. W. Wedding, Commissioner of the Central 
Power of Germany, who will accompany the Ship) you 
report yourself to the German Government expressing 
your willingness to enter the German Naval Service, 
provided satisfactory terms are offered to you; that in 
the mean time you are to consider yourself engaged for 
the term of three months and as compensation in full 
for your services during that time you are to receive the 
sum of Two Hundred & Twenty five Dollars. 

You will please receipt at foot of this for such moneys 
as you may receive here on account of the above men- 
tioned compensation before commencement of the voy- 
age. 

It is further understood that should you not come to 
an understanding with the German Government as to 

1:58: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

a permanent engagement in the German Naval Service, 
you are to be furnished, at the expiration of the time for 
which you are now engaged, with a free passage back to 

New York. Respectfully, ^^^^^^ 

Mr. Francis G. Dallas. 

Received on a/c of pay as per foregoing agreement One 
hundred dollars by order given by myself on Messrs. 
Faber & Bierwitte. 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO LATE PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

May 25, 1849. 
Sir: 

Your communication of the 22d instant, has been re- 
ceived. 

I can take no action on the case you present, as my 
authority to order officers on the service named by you, 
only extends to those who belong to the United States 
Navy. 

I am respectfully, 

Your obed. servant, 

Wm. Ballard Preston.^ 
Mr. Francis G. Dallas, 

Late Passed Midn. U. S. Navy, 
No. 1 1 Warren St., 
New York. 

^ William Ballard Preston of Virginia, Secretary of the Navy, ap- 
pointed by President Taylor, March 8, 1849. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[THE GERMAN MINISTER TO LATE PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

German Legation. 

New York, May 28th, 1849. 
Sir, 

Enclosed I beg leave to send you copy of a letter 
written by me to Captn Palmer requesting the nature of 
the services to be rendered by you on board of the Ger- 
man war-steamer United States. 

Respectfully, 



ROENNE. 



Mr. Francis G. Dallas. 



Enclosure 

[ THE GERMAN MINISTER TO CAPTAIN PALMER ] 

German Legation. 

New York, May 28th, 1849. 
Sir, 

Objections having been made by Mr. Stiles to the 
words used in my letter to him of the 19th inst. viz: 
"that he is to receive such services on board of the 
United-States as may be claimed from warrant-officers 
on board of a man of war," I request that you will exact 
of Mr. Stiles as well as of Messrs Dallas and Stevenson 

1:60] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

such services only as are required from commissioned- 
officers. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 
very respectfully 

Your obedt Servant, 

(Signed) V. RoNNE. 
Captn Palmer, 
Commanding the German war frigate 
United-States 



[ STATEMENT OF SERVICE OF LATE PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

German Steam Frigate 
United States, Liverpool, 

July 2 1 St, 1849. 

At the request of the Secretary of the Navy of Ger- 
many I furnish the following statement of my service 
in the Navy of the United States. 

I served on board of the line-of-battle ship Columbus 
of 90 guns, Commodore Smith, as acting Midshipman 
(2 months) ; on board of the Frigate Columbia of 54 
guns under command of Commodores Parker [and] 
Shubrick, and Captains Breese [and] Geisinger for 39 
months, in the Home Squadron, in the Mediterranean, 
and on the coast of Brazil as midshipman. I served at 
the Naval Station at Pensacola for 1 1 months, on board 
of the Steam Frigate Mississippi of 1 1 guns for 3 
months, Commodore Conner, on Board of the Sloop of 
War John Adams of 24 guns, Capt McCluney, for 4 
months, on board the Schooner Flirt of 4 guns for two 

n6o 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

months, on board of the Sloop of War Saratoga of 22 
guns for ten months; this service was as an acting 
Leiutenant, being in charge of a Leiutenant's Watch 
both in Port and at Sea; partly at the Naval School as 
Midshipman and Passed for seven months. 

The foregoing is a sketch from memory of my service 
& enclose letters from the Comding officers with whom 
I have served, also my certificate of examination at the 
Naval School, also letters from Commodores Downes, 
Parker, Shubrick, and Smith, from Captains Breese 
[and] Geisinger, from Commanders McCluney, Far- 
ragut, etc., etc. 

Respectfully, 

Francis G. Dallas, 
Late Passed Midshipman, 

United States Navy. 
Born October loth, 1824. 
Entered the Navy Novbr 8th, 1841. 



[ LATE PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE GERMAN NAVY ] 

German Steam Frigate 
United States, 

July 27th, 1849. 
Sir, 

After some reflection upon the conversation which 
occurred between us on the 24th inst. I am of the de- 
cided opinion that I did not correctly understand your 
ofifer. I supposed you offered me the position (as 2nd 
Leiut.) which I then thought was the same as a Mid- 

1:62: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

shipman in the Navy of the United States, and as I had 
held a warrant as Midshipman some nine years since, I 
declined a similar position now; upon further enquiry 
I find that I was in error. I therefore now inform you 
that / am willing to enter the German Naval Service 
as a 2nd Leiutenant and also to serve to the best of my 
ability. Will you be kind enough to inform me if your 
offer is still open to my acceptance; if so I should much 
prefer to remain attached to this ship. 

I have the honor to be. Sir, 
Yr obdt Servt, 

Francis G. Dallas, 
Late passed Midshipman, 
To the Hon. Mr. Kerst. U. S. Navy. 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE GERMAN NAVY TO LATE 
PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

To the former Passed Midshipman of the Navy of 
• the United States of North America, Mr. Francis 

Gregory Dallas. 

According to your application in writing and by the 
authority given to me by the Imperial ministry, with 
the provisions of the confirmations by His Imperial 
Highness, the Archduke, government administrator, 
and with the provision of ascertaining your previous 
history, I hereby transfer to you the position of lieuten- 
ant, 2nd class, in the German navy. You will do service 
from this day on with this charge and under the duties 
of that charge on board the Steam Corvette Hansa^ 
until further notice. 

1 Late United States. 

[63: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Your salary as lieutenant 2nd class will be paid to you 
from the first day of August. 

Liverpool, Aug. 3, 1849. 
The Imperial commissioner, General 
Secretary of the Navy, 

Kerst. 



[ COMMISSION OF LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Nro. 2268. 
For a commission of his imperial highness the Reichs 
Verweser from August 19th, 1849, reads as follows: 

*'I appoint, on account of a reference from the Min- 
ister of the Navy, the former passed Midshipman in the 
United States navy: 

Francis Gregory Dallas 

to a 2nd Class Lieutenant in the Imperial Navy, reserv- 
ing the settlement of his seniority. 

Gastein. August 19th, 1849. 
The Reichs Verweser 
(Signed) ERZHERZOG JOHN. 
The Imperial Minister The Minister of the Navy. 

(Sig.) A. JocHMUs. (Sig.) Merck." 

Authentic and under the seal of the Imperial Min- 
istry written in Frankfurt a/m. August 23rd, 1849. 
(Sig.) Kerst. 
To 

the 2nd Class Lieutenant in the Imperial Navy, 
Francis Gregory Dallas. 

W. Eberling. 

1:641 



(joinmiddton of cjzancid ytagoty Jjallad ad a 
Joieutenant in the yetinan loavtf 



FUAXCIS GREGORV DALLAS 

salary vill be paid to you 

rroiii me first c^\ ^i .i 



sioner, General 
)t the Navy, 

Kerst. 



T DALLAS ] 



JSiro. 2268. 
'iness the Reichs 
lij follows : 



- 1- 1' -' ' ' ■■ - - - ■ - 
ister of the. JS ^\ the ioi<K ^^iMidshipn^an in gie 



erence from the Min- 
ister or tne.^\ a*;j\ tne ioi<K ^^iMidshipn^an in gi( 
Ui"fitfefi ^^^m^VV \P^^^^>i bi'JiAJi^Ao \o j\oibMJt\ii\oc) 



to a 2nd Class Lieutenant in fhe ] ■ Navy, reserv- 

ing the settlement of his Sv 

GasiCiii. iiugust iQtii, 1849. 
The Reich? "^^^'-^^^ser 
CSisnc:'^ ZOG JOHN. 

The Imperial Ministt f the Navy. 

(Sig.) A. 






Authentic ^nd -erial Min- 

istry written gust 23rd, 1849. 

"ro 

the 2nd Class Lieutenant in the Imperial Navy, 
Francis Gregory Dallas. 

W. Eberling. 

L^4j 



iu ; '//^ 2i6s. 




M t t t HI t * 



cMa/ncu c^/tMfiiy ^J^Cf/iU^ 



rJ' 



'/^ 



^.y » /^.W" 






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»s 






U»AAti^4**t! , 



Qj^an(M'^4^- 



Jf^ ^^diJic^ 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ COMMANDER TONGRI TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Upon order from the Rear Admiral, officer of naval 
requisites for the North Sea Coast, Mr. Brommy, the 
lieutenant, 2nd Class, Mr. Dallas is to go on board the 
Imperial Steam Corvette The Royal Ernst August and 
to report for duty as ist officer of that ship to the 
Lieutenant-Commander Reichert. 

On board the Imperial Steam frigate Hansa, 
Bremerhaven, Dec. 4, 1849. 

The Commander, 

D. TONGRI, 
To Lieutenant 2nd Class, Mr. Dallas. L. C. 



[ PASSED MIDSHIPMAN WYMAN TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Feby 3d/50. 
Dear Frank, 

I reced your letter enclosing a draft for Mary's use. 
I am very glad to hear that you are getting on so well, 
and think that you had better make up your mind to re- 
main in the German Service and strive to rise by all 
proper means, as I cannot see that there is the least 
prospect of your being able to get back again into our 
service. I am now one or two on the list of Pd Midsn ; 
'tis generally thought there will be a retired list. I 
imagine I shall be let alone until my time is out here. 
Should I be ordered to any vessel I think it will be the 
Congress for Brazil; the Marion sailed a few days 

[:653 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

since for the East Indies. Have you many efficient of- 
ficers in your service? Where is Styles, &c.? Mary is 
well ; should I be ordered off I should try to make such 
arrangements to have her with Emily. Your friends 
here in service frequently enquire after you & seem glad 
that you have so good prospects — Mrs. Otis in particu- 
lar, who you should write, your affct friend, 

R. H. W. 



[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO REAR-ADMIRAL BROMMY ] 

The lieutenant II Class F. Dallas 

to the 
Rear Admiral, 

Officer of naval requisites for the North Sea Coast, 
Mr. R. Brommy, 

Bremerhaven. 

I herewith respectfully beg to be released from the 
service of the Imperial Navy. The reasons, which in- 
duce me to take this action are the following: 

After serving for some time in the German navy, 
several (five at present) Belgian officers have been ap- 
pointed and have been placed ahead of me; besides, two 
of these officers have been intrusted with the command 
of frigates, while I am still next commanding officer on 
board a corvette. I can see in this only a direct re- 
proach of my faculties and of my conduct as a naval 

On board Imperial Corvette 
The Royal Ernst August. 
March 22nd, 1850. FRANCIS G. DALLAS. 

Application for Release. 

[663 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



Statement of Service of Lieutenant Dallas 

Francis Gregory Dallas. Born October loth, 1824, in 
the city of Boston, state of Massachusetts, one of the 
United States of America. My Father, Alexander 
James Dallas, Commander in the United States Navy. 
My Father now dead. My Mother, Mary Etheridge 
of English descent. My Religion Episcopalian. Com- 
menced school in the year 1829. Private school from 
1829 to 1839 (ten years), Harvard University 18 
months. Entered the Navy of the United States 1840 — 
my active service commenced 1841. I have served as 
Acting Midshipman, Midshipman, as Sailing Master, 
as Passed Midn. and as acting Leiutenant. I have 
served on board the Columbus of 90 guns, the Columbia 
Frigate of 54 guns as acting Midn., Midn. and acting 
Sailingmaster the years 1841, 1842, 1843 and 1844. In 
the Home Squadron, CoaLt of Brazil, and Mediterra- 
nean; at the Naval Station Pensacola 1 1 months ( 1845) ; 
On board the Steam Frigate Mississippi of 10 guns; 
Sloops of war John Adams and Saratoga, ist of 24 guns 
and 2nd of 20 guns ; Schooner Flirt of 4 guns. All these 
during the War with Mexico and the United States in 
the years (part of 1845) 1846, 1847 and part of 1848 
was Passed Midn. and acting Leiutenant. Served at 
the capture of Tuxpan City; Bombardment and capture 
of the city of Alvarado, Bombardment and capture of 
Vera Cruz, taking of the City of Tampico, all this in 
the American Navy during the Mexican War. I was 
at the Naval College seven months, passed my examina- 
tion, received my Diploma and stood number 12 out of 

C67] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

a Class of 94 officers. I entered the service of the Ger- 
man Government the 23rd of May, 1849, served on 
board the steam Frigate Hansa (then United States). 
I was commissioned as Leiut. 2nd Class, August ist, 
1849, stationed in the Weser on Board Frigate Hansa 
as 2nd and as ist officer and on board the Corvette Ernst 
August as ist officer. 

My reasons for leaving the American Navy were my 
having been engaged in a Duel. I resigned, as Duelling 
is against the Laws of the American Navy. I have let- 
ters from the President of the United States, The Secre- 
tary General of the American Navy and also from all 
my Commanding Officers in the American Navy, 
which show that I left the American [service] with 
honor, and honorably. 

Signed 

Francis Gregory Dallas, 

Leiut. G. N. 
On Board der K. Dampf-Corvette Ernst August, 
River Weser off Blexen, 
March 29th, 1850. 



[ OATH OF A MEMBER OF A COURT MARTIAL ] 

I swear to God Almighty, that I shall justly judge 
according to my conscientious conviction and shall 
thereby have in view the law only, without being influ- 
enced by my order or consideration, as truly as God 
helps me. 

I declare in consideration of my formerly given oath, 
that I shall justly judge according to my conscientious 
conviction. 

1:68] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO EDWARD H. THOMSON ] 

German Steam Corvette 

Hamburg, off Bremerhaven, 

August 9th, 1850. 
My dear Sir, 

I avail myself of your kind offer and beg leave here- 
with to send you a short account of my Naval Service, 
both in the American Navy and also in the German 
Navy. I entered the American Navy between the years 
of 14 and 15 years of age. I served in the Home Squad- 
ron on the American Coast, I served on the Coast of 
Brazils, later I served in the Mediterranean Squadron, 
later I served in the West India Squadron untill, the war 
breaking out with Mexico, I joined the Gulf of Mexico 
squadron and served through the whole war in all the 
active service which our squadron was engaged in. I 
had an attack of yellow fever, which was shortly after 
followed by a fracture of the skull ; recovering from 
these I joined the Naval College, received my Diploma, 
was promoted, and later owing to matters connected 
with a Lady I was engaged in a Duel, which being con- 
trary to the Regulations of the American Navy, I was 
obliged to resign my position in that Navy, but honor- 
ably to myself, as letters from President Polk and the 
Hon. Secretary of the Navy show. Being a short time 
later in company with the German Minister Plenipoten- 
tiary, he made me the offer of a Leiutenant's commission 
in the new German Navy, then about being organized ; 
this offer I accepted, sailed from New York in the Steam 
Frigate United States in May, 1849. On my arrival in 

1:693 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Germany, was appointed second Leiutenant of the ship, 
three months later (my services being highly appre- 
ciated) I was advanced as the ist Leiutenant of this 
Frigate (United States), having all the time being 
actively engaged and arduously employed in organizing 
and assisting to organize this New Naval Service, also 
in learning a new language, in which I must of course 
carry on my duties ; finally in June 1850 I was promoted 
to be the commander of a fine corvette in which position 
I am at present. 

You see, my dear Sir, I have given you a short sketch 
of my Naval Service, quite modest but enough. I wish 
you would say nothing about my family. My name 
speaks for itself, and if my family's name were brought 
forward it would look like Log rolling. I hope to have 
the pleasure of seeing you on Board before you leave 
for Berlin. 

Beleive me very truly yours, 

F. G. Dallas, 
Commander, German Navy. 



[ passed midshipman PARKER TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Dr Dallas, 

The Ward Room mess^ request the pleasure of your 
company to dinner (socially) on Monday next at 
2 p.m. 

Please fill the blank of the enclosed note with the 

^ Of the U. S. frigate St. Lawrence. 

C70] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

name of our friend the Purser and send it to him, & you 
will much oblige. 

Yrs. truly, 
Capt. Dallas, Hamburg. F. A. PARKER, Jr. 

Saturday afternoon, Sep. 7th. 
P.S. Tell the Purser no excuse will be received. 



[ CAPTAIN PAULDING TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

U. S. Frigate St. Lawrence, 
River Weser, Oct. 3rd, 1850. 
My dear sir; 

The accompanying letter to Prince Adalbert you will 
please seal after having read it. In great haste with all 
good wishes your friend, 

H. PAULDING.^ 
Lieut. Comdg. 
Francis G. Dallas, 
German Navy, 
Bremerhaven. 



Enclosure 

[ CAPTAIN PAULDING TO PRINCE ADALBERT ] 

To the Prince Adalbert 
of Prussia. 
Your Royal Highness will receive this by the hands 
of Lieut. Comdt Dallas of the German Navy. 
^ Captain Hiram Paulding, U. S. Navy. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Lieut. Comdt Dallas is by birth a citizen of the 
United States and served in our Navy until passed for 
promotion. 

I w^ould recommend him to you as a young gentleman 
of respectability and of respectable professional attain- 
ments. 

He has devoted himself to the service of Germany; 
has acquired a knowledge of the language of your noble 
country and I doubt not will be found an excellent Of- 
ficer, highly useful in the present state of your Navy. I 
would therefore recommend him to the protection and 
patronage of your Royal Highness. 

I shall ever remember with much happiness my hav- 
ing met with your Royal Highness and your cousin the 
King of Prussia, and if I may be permitted to do so, 
would ask the favor to be presented by you in kindest 
courtesy to your Sister Elizabeth of Darmstadt. 

In leaving Germany for my Native land I beg to add 
my best wishes for your health and happiness, and the 
success of the German Navy. 

With considerations of the highest Respect 
I remain your most obdt Servt, 

(Signed) H. PAULDING, 
Captain, 
U. S. Frigate St. Lawrence. 
River Weser, Oct 3rd, 1850. 



[72] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO CAPTAIN WEBER ] 

German Steam 

Corvette Hamburg, 
To In Haven Brake, 

The Material Director Novbr 27th, 1850. 

Captain Weber. 
It is with regret I find myself forced to call your at- 
tention to your official letters of the 23rd and 25th of this 
month addressed to me as commander of this ship. It is 
the first and only instances I have met with during my 
whole service in the German Navy, I refer to the tone 
of Censure and even Reprimand which I have noticed 
in them. If I was perfect in the German Language I 
could better know the errors made by my Zahlmeister. 
I am the more surprised, as heretofore I have found you 
in my personal intercourse most polite and Courteous. 
I must therefore think that the tone I complain of must 
be the fault of your Secretary. 

I have the honor to be 

Respectfully yr. obt Servt, 
Francis G. Dallas, 
Lt Comdt. 



[ REAR-ADMIRAL BROMMY TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

The Commander in Chief of navy 

to 
Lieutenant Commanding Dallas. 
I herewith grant you the desired leave of absence for 
ten days for Bremen and Hannover; you are, during 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

that period, to transfer the command of the Steam Cor- 
vette Hamburg to assistant officer Paulsen. 

You are to notify the Commander in Chief of the day 
of your starting the leave. 

Brake, 21. i. 51. 

R. Brommy, 

Rear-Admiral. 



[ DR. HARTLANT TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Bremen, Fby i, '51. 
My dear Sir, 

All well considered, I think you can not do better than 
go to Neundorf as soon as possible. The season is far 
advanced and it is certainly too late for Aachen. In 
Neundorf put yourself under the care of ''Hofrath 
Grandidier," who will give you the necessary directions 
for the use of the baths. I inclose the Certificate for the 
Admiral. Stay at Neundorf at least 5 weeks. The ex- 
pense will be about 130 to 150 thaler. 

Yours, my dear Sir, most truly, 

D. S. Hartlant. 

M. Hof rath Grandidier is a very good physician and I 
advise you to follow his direction as strictly as possible. 
Would you come to Bremen I hope to see you. 



l7\l 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

[ MAJOR SCHULTZ TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

[Verden, February 21, 1851.] 
My dear Captain, 

I am much obliged to you for the kind invitation to 
your masked ball and am truly sorry that particular 
Service prevents me from enjoying that pleasure, as I 
am on duty with Capt. Halkett's Squadron for the next 
month and can not be absent from here during that pe- 
riod. 

Agreable to your kind permission I have communi- 
cated your invitation to the officers of our Regiment 
here present. Lt. v. d. Wense is the only one who can 
have the honour to see you there, as the others will go 
on leave of absence on the ist March and those of Capt. 
Halkett's Squadron must remain here on duty. If the 
leave of absence Lt. Dincklaze has solicited should be 
refused, he will join v. d. Wense on his tour to you. On 
Friday the 28th inst. we shall have here a Casino-ball 
and I hope the arrangements of your masked ball will 
not occupy your time so much as to prevent you from 
coming here, what we and particularly the charming 
ladies would regret very much. 

Beleave me respectfully 

yours sincerely, 

SCHULTZ, 

Maj. 



1:751 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

[ GENERAL WYNEKEN TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Verden, April 24, 1851. 
Most esteemed Captain, 

Your kind package of six bottles of whiskey I had the 
honor to find here last night and wish to express to you 
herewith my most obliging and humble thanks. I wish 
to say that I miss the vouchers for same. I cannot ex- 
pect you to have, besides the many troubles I have 
caused you, any expenses. Therefore I ask you to take 
the expenses by postal charge, which I can pay here, if 
indicated on the envelope, at the post office. 

For your kind trouble I remain thankfully obliged 
to you. 

With the greatest esteem, most esteemed Captain, 

Yours humbly, 
To John Wyneken.^ 

Navy Lieutenant 
Dallas, 
Commander of Steam Corvette Hamburg, 
on dock in Brake. 



[THE UNITED STATES MINISTER AT BERLIN 
TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Berlin, May 28, 1851. 
Dear Sir, 

About the time I received your letter of the 30 
April, His Royal Highness Prince Adalbert was absent 

^ General in the Hanoverian Army. 

[76] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

from Berlin. Shortly afterwards I was seized with a 
malady of the eyes, which wholly unfitted me for the 
transaction of any business requiring their use. 

But I have, to-day, had an interview with his Royal 
Highness, and brought to his notice the desire of Cap- 
tain Jackson to enter the Prussian Naval Service. I 
spoke to him of yourself, as the medium through whom 
this desire had been communicated to me. 

The Prince received me, and the communication I 
made to him, with much kindness and consideration. 
He said, however, that he could decide nothing. But 
he desired me to inform you that if you would address 
a letter directly to him on the subject, stating the wish 
of Capt. Jackson to enter the Prussian Naval service, 
and saying, of course, whatever you may choose to say 
in his behalf, he will, with pleasure, lay the letter, on 
the subject, before the Minister of War for his consid- 
eration. 

You will find that, I have no doubt, the most eligible 
way of proceeding. 

I beg to thank you for the invitation to visit your ship. 
It would afford me sincere pleasure to do so should I 
visit Bremen. 

With great respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

D. D. Barnard.^ 
F. G. Dallas, Esq., 

Comdt, German Navy. 

1 Daniel Dewev Barnard, United States Minister at Berlin. 



1:77] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ P. VON MOLDENBIER TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Dear Sir: 

Mr. Admiral has told me that he was to start from the 
harbor at 9 o'clock, — therefore I expect him about 10. 

Truly yours, 

P. VON MOLDENBIER. 



[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO PRINCE ADALBERT ] 

On board the Imperial Steam Corvette 
Hamburg, 

Brake, Jan. 6, 1852. 

To His Royal Highness 

Prince Adalbert of Prussia. 
As I do not see any chance of doing active service in 
the German fleet, I beg humbly to be allowed to ask 
your Royal Highness, whether there is a chance to be 
transferred to the Prussian navy, having served almost 
ten years in the American navy and also two years and a 
half in the Federal navy, two years as commander of 
the Steam Corvette Hamburg and six months as ist 
lieutenant of a frigate. I beg to ask your Royal High- 
ness to kindly present to the Minister of War this, my 
application, and to let me know the rank, salary and 
conditions, under which I can enter the Prussian navy, 
of course if His Excellency, the Minister of War, is 
satisfied with my abilities. I beg your Royal Highness 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

to excuse any errors I may have made in this letter, as I 
have never been taught the German language. 
Most respectfully and obediently, 

F. G. Dallas, 
Lieutenant-commanding. 



[ THE UNITED STATES MINISTER AT LONDON TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

London, Feb. 23rd, 1852. 
Dear Sir, 

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 
3d Inst, and in reply to state that I know from the best 
authority here, that the German Naval Vessels will be 
divided between the different German States, and that 
Prussia will probably retain a considerable number of 
them. Mrs. Lawrence reciprocates your kind remem- 
brance of her, while 

I am, dear Sir, 

Very faithfully 

Your obt. ser., 
Abbott Lawrence.^ 
Captain 

Francis G. Dallas, 
&c. &c. &c. 

^ United States Minister at London. 



1:793 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ CHARGE d'affaires AT BERLIN TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Legation United States, 
Berlin, May 13, 1852. 
Sir: 

Your letter, from the German Steam Corvette Ham- 
burg, Brake, April 16, addressed to Mr. Barnard, not 
having been distinguished by superscription from a pri- 
vate letter, followed him to Naples, whence I received 
it yesterday afternoon. I shall take the first possible 
opportunity to communicate with Prince Adalbert. In 
the mean time as the German navy has undergone a 
considerable change, I believe, since you wrote and your 
command in it being mentioned as a reason for not mak- 
ing any more direct application, perhaps you will now 
like to address another to His Royal Highness which it 
will give me great pleasure to present. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Capt. Jackson some 
years ago at Bremerhaven; he showed me through his 
beautiful ship. Any thing which as Charge d'affaires, 
ad int. of the U. States at Berlin would be proper, I 
shall be very glad to do for him also. 
In the mean time, I am, 

very respectfully, 

your obdt. servt. 

Theo. S. Fay. 
F. G. Dallas, Esq., 
&c. &c. &c. 

:8o3 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO CHARGE D'AFFAIRES ] 

[May, 1852.] 
Dear Sir, 

Your letter of the 13th inst. reached me this day; 
allow me to express my sincere thanks for your prompt 
and kind attention to me. At the present moment I am 
in daily expectation of receiving either half-pay or a 
compensation for my services in the German Navy. Of 
course, under these circumstances I cannot at this mo- 
ment enter the Prussian Navy without losing the ex- 
pected compensation; you will however be conferring 
upon me a great favor by representing to His Royal 
Highness, Prince Adalbert, that I am desirous of enter- 
ing the Prussian Naval Service, should my services be 
required, and request him to consider me as an applicant 
for the same service. May I at the same moment re- 
quest of you to explain to His Royal Highness the im- 
portance and in short the necessity to me of awaiting the 
final settlement of the German Navy, before I enter the 
Prussian Service, at the same time to consider me as an 
official applicant to enter the Prussian Navy. Having 
written direct to His Royal Highness upon this subject 
about three months since, sending the letter through 
Mr. Barnard, I don't think it would be advisable again 
to trouble His Royal Highness with another letter upon 
the same subject. In conclusion allow me to respect- 
fully request you to obtain what information you can 
from His Royal Highness regarding the conditions 
upon which I can enter the Prussian Navy; be kind 

C81: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

enough to remark that I have commanded a steam cor- 
vette for the space of two years in the German Navy. 

I enclose a letter from Capt. Jackson and beg leave to 
assure you of my sincere appreciation of your kind po- 
liteness to me, and hope soon to express in person my 
feelings upon this subject. If your important duties v^ill 
allow of it, I should be much pleased to hear from you 

^S^^"- I have the honor to be, 

sir, very sincerely 

yr. obt servt, 
[Theo. S. Fay, Esq., [F. G. Dallas.] 

Charge d'affaires.] 



[ TESTIMONIAL OF REAR-ADMIRAL BROMMY ] 
No. 3533 

The Commander in Chief of the Navy. 

To the lieutenant 2nd class Francis Gregory Dallas, 
who has herewith testified, that the same — in the month 
of May 1849 in New York on board the steam frigate 
Hansa, in which he came over as watch officer — has 
entered the service of the German navy, and by decree 
of the Archduke, government administrator, of Aug. 19, 
1849, has been appointed lieutenant 2nd class. 

It is hereby, at this time, testified, that, after his ap- 
pointment, he was transferred as ist officer on board the 
Steam Corvette The Royal Ernst August and was then 
intrusted to take command of the Steam Corvette Ham- 
burg, which he has held uninterruptedly until this date, 

C82] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

that he has always conducted himself during the whole 
period honorably and as an officer and commander, and 
has gained also my fullest approval of his services. 
Bremerhaven, May 27, 1852. 

R. Brommy, 
Rear Admiral. 



[ CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDER TONGRI ] 

Certificate. 

This is to certify that Mr. Francis G. Dallas, for- 
merly of the United States Navy, has served under my 
command in the capacity of Lieutenant and first officer 
on board the Steam Frigate Hansa, flag ship of the 
North-sea squadron of the German Navy, during the 
last part of the year 1849, and that I have been much 
satisfied with the zeal and the activity of that officer. 
On board the German Steam-Frigate Hansa, Road 
of Bremerhaven, the 5th of July, 1852. 

The commander 

D. TONGRI. 



[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO THE UNITED STATES 
CONSUL AT BREMEN ] 

Corvette Hamburg, Brake, 

July 7th, 1852. 
My Dear Sir, 

As the nearest representative of our government I re- 
quest of you your advice and counsel upon the following 

1:833 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

subject, one of great personal importance to me, and one 
also I think of interest to yourself as it involves a prin- 
ciple which has ever been recognized by all govern- 
ments. I was commissioned as a Leiutenant in the Ger- 
man Imperial Navy on the 19th day of August, 1849; 
this was issued from the Imperial Ministry at Frank- 
furt, signed by His Imperial Highness the Arch Duke 
John of Austria, and countersigned by the Imperial 
Minister General Lt. Jochmus, the Minister of Marine 
Merck, and the Secretary of the Marine Kerst; for 
more than two years I have been commanding this ship. 
I have read in the Weser Zeitung of the 5th of July that 
the commissioned officers of the German Navy are to 
be discharged with one year's nonactive pay, or for a 
Leiut. three hundred Thalers. It is established by many 
precedents and is in fact the law in most of the German 
States that at the disbanding of a Regiment or at the 
reduction of the corps of officers, the officers so dis- 
charged always receive half pay for life, or a round sum 
amounting to ten or fifteen years half pay as a compen- 
sation; now I intend to demand a pension or half pay 
for life, or say ten year's half pay at three hundred 
Thalers per year. You can greatly oblige me by giving 
me a letter of introduction to our Minister at Frankfurt, 
and by assisting me with your influence, to induce our 
Minister at Frankfurt to take my claim in hand; you 
with your clear perception of right and justice must at 
once see that after giving up my employment in my own 
country, and after having served faithfully the German 
Government for three years, that I have claims to re- 
ceive more than a year's nonactive pay, barely enough 
to cover my expenses to the United States. My commis- 
sion and certificates, should you wish to see them, I will 

1:84: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

bring them up to Bremen for your perusal. My pres- 
ent determination is to endeavor through the American 
Minister at Frankfurt to present my claim to the Bund; 
please write me if you approve of and advise this course. 
With kind regards to Mrs King, 

Beleive very Respt. 

and sincerely your obt servt, 
To Ralph King, F. G. Dallas. 

American Consul, 
Bremen. 



[ TESTIMONIAL OF LIEUTENANT REICHERT ] 

I hereby gladly testify to the lieutenant 2nd class F. 
G. Dallas, that he has been from the fourth of Decem- 
ber 1840 and nine to the 4th day of July 1850 (fifty) on 
board of the German federal Steam Corvette The Royal 
Ernst August under my command, where he performed 
the duties of a first officer. 

The conduct of lieutenant Dallas during this time is 
to be called always without reproach and his faculties 
as a mariner and naval officer deserved my special re- 
spect. 

On board of the German Federal Steam Corvette 
The Royal Ernst August, dock of Bremerhaven, the 
twenty-sixth day of July, 1852. 

The lieutenant-Commanding 
P. REICHERT. 




[85] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ CERTIFICATE OF CAPTAIN JACKSON ] 

This is to certify that during the period Commandant 
Dallas has been attached to the Naval Division under 
my Command, — viz. from the 7th October, 1851, to the 
30th July, 1852, — I have much pleasure in bearing tes- 
timony of his upright and gentlemanly conduct whilst 
commanding the Steam Corvette Hamburg, — in every 
respect carrying out the Discipline and good order of 
his ship with much credit to himself and to the entire 
satisfaction of the Imperial Government. 

In consequence of the Dissolution of the German 
Navy, Commandant Dallas receives his discharge in 
common with the whole of the Officers of the Fleet. 

Signed under my hand & seal 
on board the Steam Corvette 
Frankfurt. 
Geo. Wm. Jackson, 
Commanding Naval Division 
at Brake, July 31st, 1852. 



[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO THE UNITED STATES 
MINISTER AT BERLIN ] 

On Board of the German Steam 
Corvette of War Hamburg 

River Weser, Brake, Augt. [8], 

My Dear Sir, ^^52- 

I beg leave respectfully to call your attention to the 
following case, which I will endeavor to lay clearly be- 

186-2 




PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

fore you. In the month of May 1849 in New York city, 
being at that time under engagements with E. K. Col- 
lins of Liverpool steamships to serve in that line, I was 
offered on the part of Baron von Roenne, who was 
Prussian Minister at Washington, an engagement (en- 
closed marked A) to go out in the Steam Frigate United 
States, now Hansa (at that time purchased by the Ger- 
man Federal Government at Frankfurt), to do duty as 
a commissioned officer and to assist in drilling and dis- 
ciplining the crew of that ship; also if upon my arrival 
in Germany satisfactory terms were not offered me, I 
should receive a free passage to the United States. The 
Frigate went to Liverpool; there I received a pro- 
visional Commission as Leiutenant in the German Navy 
(enclosed and marked B) afterwards upon our arrival 
in Bremerhaven confirmed by the Imperial President 
of the Central power. Arch Duke Johann; this confir- 
mation was a commission bearing date the 19th of 
August, 1849, a certified copy of which in German and 
English (marked C) I enclose to you. I have served 
faithfully and diligently as ist Leiut. and Commander 
of different ships for the space of three years, and now 
they, the Bundes Commission, propose to turn me adrift 
with one year's nonactive pay, amounting to three hun- 
dred Thalers, scarcely enough to pay my passage home 
and not enough to pay for one half what my outfit cost. 
I claim pension for life, or five year's land pay and my 
expenses to the United States. I beg leave to remark, 
the rule and custom of all civilized nations has been for 
many years to give pensions to officers at the disbanding 
or reduction of a Regiment or service. The Frankfurt 
Government have taken me away from a steady employ- 
ment, used me for three years, and I contend they are 

[873 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

bound by all rules of equity and fairness, by acknow- 
ledged and existing custom, if not by law itself, to make 
some provision for my future. I feel assured if you. Sir, 
will take the matter in hand and present my claim to the 
Bundes Commission at Frankfurt, that you will succeed 
in obtaining for me either half pay or compensation. 
The American Government is held in great respect by 
all the German Powers and they will be very cautious 
how they treat an American citizen. I should also men- 
tion that the American Government were cognisant of 
and consented to my entering this service. Commodore 
Parker having given my name in as one to enter the 
German Navy at the time he was in Germany in rela- 
tion to American officers entering the German Naval 
service. I beg leave in conclusion most respectfully to 
call your serious attention to the present case and to re- 
quest of you to forward my claim to the President of 
the Bundes commission. Earl Thun, at Frankfurt; any 
further information which you may wish I will hasten 
to provide you with. Allow me to return my sincere 
thanks for your repeated kind attention to me and be- 
leive me, 

Dear Sir, Most Respectfully 
Your Obdt Servant, 
F. G. Dallas, 

Comding Corvette Hamburg. 
To his Excellency 

The Honble Mr. Barnard, 
American Minister, 
Berlin. 



[88.1 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO THE UNITED STATES 
MINISTER AT BERLIN ] 

On Board 

Steam Corvette Hamburg, 

Brake, August 22nd, 

1852. 
To His Excellency 
Mr. D. D. Barnard, 
American Minister, &c. 
My Dear Sir, 

Your very kind favor of the 17th reached me yester- 
day. I beg leave to express my sincere appreciation of 
your prompt attention to my letter of the 8th inst. and at 
the same moment I request of you to give the case there 
presented not only your consideration, but I also trust 
your co-operation, in assisting me to obtain justice. 
Commodore Parker was the official and recognized 
agent of the American Government in relation to Amer- 
ican Naval officers entering the service of the German 
Central Power; my name was given by Commodore P. 
as one who would enter that Service. Shortly after the 
return of Comdore P. to the United States, I accepted 
the renewed offer of Baron v. Roenne, Prussian Min- 
ister, and entered this service, having already been pro- 
posed by Comdore P. while in Germany, & am 
regularly commissioned; and if the established laws, to 
let custom remain out of the question, are respected, I 
am legally and by equity entitled to compensation from 
the Central Power. I feel confident, if you see fit to urge 
my case, your efforts will be [crowned] u-ith success. 

1:89] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

The German officers as a body say themselves that they 
have no orders, and tell me plainly that they rely upon 
the influence of the American Government and name 
in their effects upon my case in establishing a precedent 
to enable themselves to recover anything. The honest 
truth is that the German Governments one and all re- 
serve to themselves right at their own will and pleasure 
to deny all justice and equity to their countrymen; as 
proof of which Schleswig-Holstein gives a damning 
evidence and this Navy bids fair to give a second 
equally as strong. I have, after deliberate and serious 
reflection, come to the conclusion, in the event of my 
being unable to obtain what I believe I have a right to 
term simple justice, to lay my case before the President 
of the United States and Congress, directly after my ar- 
rival in the United States. 

If you are able, directly or indirectly, to assist or for- 
ward my claims, I feel confident you would and will 
cheerfully do so. My opinion is that should you only 
state my case at Frankfurt to the Central Power, or its 
President, you would obtain compensation for me with- 
out farther difficulty; the name of the American Gov- 
ernment has immense weight in Germany, as I have had 
occasion to observe in many instances during my resi- 
dence in this country. It appears in my humble opinion 
a fit and proper opportunity for the Minister Pleni- 
potentiary of our Government to interfere and use hi? 
influence to see justice done, not alone to a countryman 
but to a body of deserving officers who may be turned 
nearly penniless adrift; and would afford a noble and 
brilliant example of the protection extended to a simple 
American citizen, giving at the same time a beautiful 
illustration of the working of our Republican form of 

C90: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Government, in its protection thrown around its Citi- 
zens in different parts of the world. Expressing a hope 
that I have not too far Trespassed upon your valuable 
time and renewing the expression of my sincere thanks, 
I have the honor to be most sincerely and 
Respectfully 

Your Obdt Servant, 
F. G. Dallas. 



[ CERTIFICATE OF LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

On board of the German Steam 
Corvette of War Hamburg, 
off Brake, Septbr 12th, 1852. 
It is with great satisfaction that I certify to the cor- 
rect, gentlemanly, and officerlike deportment of Mr. 
William Ubbelohde, during the time he has served un- 
der my orders, on board of the German Steam Frigate 
Hansa, viz. from the ist of August to the 4th of Decem- 
ber 1849; later Mr. Ubbelohde served as ist officer of 
this ship under my command and I hereby [bear] tes- 
timony to his efficiency as a ist officer, and cheerfully 
recommend him as qualified to command a ship. On 
the ist of September 1852, he was appointed by the 
Admiral to take the command of the Corvette Frank- 
furt, which post he fills at the present date. 
Given under my hand, 

Francis G. Dallas, 

Commandant. 

1:90 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE UNITED STATES MINISTER AT BERLIN 
TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Berlin, October i8, 1852. 
Dear Sir, 

You are aware, I presume, that there has been the 
usual summer vacation in the Diet at Frankfurt. To 
meet the resuming of business there, I have addressed a 
long and full letter in your behalf to the Plenipotentiary 
of the King of Prussia at the Diet, Monsieur de Bis- 
marck-Schoenhausen, who is also, as I have been 
informed, of the Committee on the subject of the com- 
pensation to be allowed to the disbanded officers of the 
German Navy. I have asked him to bring my letter to 
the notice of the Committee and, if need be, of the Diet. 
I am, with great regard, 

Your obedient servant, 
Francis G. Dallas, Esq., D. D. BARNARD. 

Comdt, &c. 



[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO THE UNITED STATES 
MINISTER AT BERLIN ] 

Brake, the 22nd of October, 

To His Excellencv r> ^^ tt u i8c2. 

, ^ „ , - Corvette Hamburg:. -^ 

Mr. Barnard, ^ 

&c. &c. &c. 

Dear Sir, 

The receipt of your letter of the i8th inst. I beg leave 

most respectfully to acknowledge and at once to thank 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

you most heartily and sincerely for the steps which you 
have taken on my behalf. I feel confident your en- 
deavor will be entirely successful and will reflect great 
credit upon your Embassy, as represented in your own 
person. On my return to the United States I shall not 
fail to improve the first occasion to give utterance to my 
sentiments of respect, at head quarters. Our Minister 
at London, Mr. Abbott Lawrence, mentioned to me 
some short time since, speaking of my claims upon the 
Frankfurt Diet, to the following effect: "My Dear Sir, 
your claim is one of undoubted justice and right and it 
will only be necessary to have it actively urged, to make 
it successful." In short he agreed entirely in your own 
view of the case. I beg most respectfully to request of 
you information and instructions as to any steps you may 
think it advisable for me to take in the matter of my 
claim for Pension or confirmation ; you will allow me, I 
hope, to remark that in dealings with Germans and with 
the German Government, it is only necessary to adopt a 
determined tone and manner and the battle is already 
more than half gained. This I have seen from a three 
years residence in the country; therefore I have great 
confidence in the eventual success of your kind exer- 
tions in my behalf. Among other remarks, Mr. Law- 
rence mentions his advice to me to pursue directly 
without loss of time and energetically my Claims against 
the Diet at Frankfurt. The Belgian Officers in the 
German Navy have applied to their Government and 
have received the assurance that their Claim shall be 
urged with energy with the Diet; they are placed in a 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

similar position as myself. With renewed thanks for 
your prompt attention to my case, believe me to remain, 
with 

great respect, your 

Obedient Servant, 

F. G. Dallas, 
Commandant, 

G.N. 



[ lieutenant DALLAS TO BARON VON ROENNE ] 

Corvette Hamburg, 
Brake, the 22nd of Oct., 1852. 
To His Excellency 
Baron von Roenne, 
Potsdam. 
Dear Sir, 

I beg leave most respectfully to request of you infor- 
mation relative to the inducement, held out to those 
American Naval Officers who entered the German 
Naval Service, as regards Pension. If you will call to 
your recollection the conversation I had with you in 
New York, previous to sailing in the Steam Frigate 
Hansa, you at that time mentioned to me that although, 
as yet, no laws relative to Pensions had been established, 
you were authorized to say that officers entering the 
German Naval Service would be entitled to receive a 
pension. You can, My Dear Baron, assist me most ma- 
terially by giving to me this information, as it is my 
intention to make a claim for Pension or compensation 

[94: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

to the Bundestag.* I hope this letter will find yourself 
and family in the enjoyment of health. I beg leave to 
assure you of my sincere respect, and to request an an- 
swer at your earliest convenience. 

Beleive me to be, Dear Sir, 
Most Respectfully your Obdt Servt, 
Francis G. Dallas. 

* Indeed our Minister Plenipotentiary, Mr. Barnard, 
has already made reclamation at Frankfurt. 



[ BARON VON ROENNE TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Bonn, October 27th, 1852. 
Dear Sir, 

In reply to your letter of the 22nd inst., directed to 
Potsdam whence it was sent to Bonn, my present resi- 
dence, and which I only received this morning, I have 
the honor to state that I have no distinct recollection of 
our conversation before you sailed from New York in 
the steamship United States in the spring of the year 
1849. As far as I recollect no permanent engagement 
was made with any of the officers that took the steam- 
ship United States to Europe, but they were engaged for 
that voyage only, for which purpose a written agree- 
ment was made between them and Messrs. Faber & 
Bierwitte in New York, the agents of the JVIinister of 
the German Navy, Mr. Duckwitz. Should you not be 
in possession of that agreement, you could easily obtain 
it, I suppose, by applying to Messrs. Faber & Bierwitte. 
As for myself, I am not in possession of any of the pa- 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

pers relating to the matter, having sent the archives of 
the German Mission in the United States to the "Fed- 
eral Commission" in Frankfurt when I was recalled, in 
the beginning of 1850. You can best ascertain from 
Mr. Duckwitz in Bremen what prospects were held out 
to those who entered the German service as Navy of- 
ficers in 1849. It was certainly my impression that, 
whenever honorably dismissed, they would receive a 
pension or compensation. 

I have the honor to be, dear Sir, 

very respectfully 

your obedt. servt, 
Francis G. Dallas, Esq., ROENNE. 

Commandt, G. Navy, 
Brake. 



[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO THE UNITED STATES 
MINISTER AT BERLIN ] 

On board the Steam Corvette Hamburg, 

Brake, the 9th of November, 
To His Excellency 1852. 

Mr. Barnard, 
Minister Plenipotentiary, 

&c. &c. &c. 
Dear Sir, 

I beg leave to inform you that I have received a letter 
from Baron von Roenne, former Minister Pleni- 
potentiary of the German Government at Washing- 
ton, in answer to a letter which I addressed to him on 
the subject of my claims for a pension or compensation 

[96] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

for my services in the German Navy; after expressing 
his regrets that he no longer has in his possession the 
documents in connection with his (the Baron's) mission 
to the United States, he writes as follows, I quote ver- 
batim from his (from the Baron's) letter: "It was, and 
is, most certainly my impression that, whenever the 
officers so engaged in New York, were honorably dis- 
missed, they would receive a pension or compensation." 

My object in mentioning this to You is solely to show 
you the impression and meaning that was entertained by 
the Baron when he engaged my services in the German 
Navy. Unfortunately in Germany a Diplomat or 
Statesman dare not express an opinion except privately, 
unless it is the opinion of his Government; therefore it 
is hopeless to get any more from the Baron on this Sub- 
ject. 

Allow me to request of you, my Dear Sir, to put me 
in possession of the answer you receive from Frankfurt, 
or the decision the Diet may come to in my case, at your 
earliest possible convenience. The ships still belonging 
to the German fleet, and the remaining oflicers, will be 
sold and discharged before the 25th of this month, at 
least such is my last information; consequently I should 
and indeed shall be placed at increased expenses and be 
without pay. Naturally, under such circumstances, I 
must return to the United States as soon after my dis- 
charge from the German Naval Service as practicable; 
the truth of this will I am convinced be apparent to you. 
For these reasons I beg most respectfully to request of 
you to urge my claim to a decision, at the same moment 
receiving my sincere thanks for your already prompt 
attention to my case. The German officers, and indeed 
the Admiral amongst them, remark that they wish to 

1:97: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

God they had the protection of the x\merican Govern- 
ment, while they find it more powerful than all Ger- 
many united and have nothing to hope for from their 
own Governments. With many thanks for your great 
Kindness, beleive that 

I remain. Dear Sir, most 

Respectfully and sincerely 
Your Obdt Servant, 
F. G. Dallas. 



[ TRANSFER OF THE STEAM CORVETTE HAMBURG ] 

Proceedings on board the Federal Steam Corvette 
Hamburg at Brake, December lo, 1852. 

As, according to the decree of the military Committee 
of the High Federal Assembly of Dec. 2, c. a., the Fed- 
eral Steam Corvette Hamburg has been sold, and as the 
date of her transfer by the Federal Commissioner, privy 
councilor Dr. Fischer, to Mr. de Buck, plenipotentiary 
of the General Steamship Association in London, per 
order of the Commander in Chief, No. 4214 of the 9th, 
c, was fixed for this day, there appeared on board, and 
respectively were present: 

i) The Federal Commissioner, Mr. privy councilor 
Dr. Fischer. 

2) The lieutenant commanding, Mr. Dallas. The 
latter declared first, that he had completed the inventory 
of the Steam Corvette Hamburg as he had been ordered 
and that everything was ready for the transfer of the 
ship. 

[98: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

The federal Commissioner accepted that declaration, 
adding that he was ready to transfer to the purchaser the 
Steam Corvette Hamburg, according to the present and 
completed inventory, the correctness of which he had no 
reason to doubt, and he was ready to accept the same. 

Then Mr. Lieutenant Commanding Dallas trans- 
ferred the Federal Steam Corvette Hamburg, whose 
flag and streamer were lowered, to the Federal Com- 
missioner, and hereby, after both parties had signed 
these proceedings as also the inventory attached hereto, 
the Federal Steam Corvette Hamburg with all that per- 
tains to her from the inventory, de facto came in posses- 
sion of the Federal Commissioner for further delivery 
to the purchaser. 

Agreed upon and undersigned, 

(Sig.) Dr. Fischer, 
Federal Commissioner. 
The Lieutenant Commandant 
(Sig.) Dallas. 
The conformity with the original confirms : 

R. B ROM MY, 
Rear-Admiral. 



[ THE UNITED STATES MINISTER AT BERLIN TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Legation of the United States, 
Berlin, Dec. lo, 1852. 
Dear Sir, 

I have received your letter of the 8th Deer. I enclose 
to you herewith a copy of the Letter addressed by me to 

1:99: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

the Minister, M. de Bismarck-Schoenhausen, in your 
behalf, in October. I think you will see that it would 
not be easy for me to add any thing to what I have there 
said and urged. I had hoped, and I still hope, that my 
appeal in your behalf may not be altogether without its 
effect. My letter will convince you of the strong interest 
I have felt and taken in this matter, and of the earnest 
efifort I have made to have justice done you. No answer 
to my letter has yet been received. 

Very sincerely & truly yours, 

D. D. Barnard. 
F. G. Dallas, Esqr. 



[ CERTIFICATE OF REAR-ADMIRAL BROMMY ] 

German Navy. 

This is to certify that Mr. Francis Dallas entered the 
German Naval Service as an officer in the month of 
May, 1849, on board of the German Steam Frigate 
Hansa at New York and that he was appointed Lieuten- 
ant of the Navy by Commission dated 19th August 
1849. He was then transferred as first officer on board 
of the Steam Corvette the Royal Ernst August where he 
remained up to the 4th of July 1850, when he was ap- 
pointed to the Command of the Steam Corvette Ham- 
burg, in which Command he continued up to the pres- 
ent date. During all this time of service his conduct, 
both as an officer and as a gentleman, has been such as 
to merit my approbation, in testimony of which I give 



M 



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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

nim the present certificate under my own hand and seal 
)f office. . 
■ :l! rhaven the 12th ot December. 1852. 
1 he Commander-in-Chief of the German Navy, 

R. B ROM MY, 

Rear Admiral. 




[ CERTIFICATE OF CAFl AIN WEBER ] 

No. 4195 

Office of the overseer of naval requisites 
fur^he.Nortk Sei Coa^, ^ 

This is to testify that Lieuvciiaiii 2i5d class Mr. Dallas 
:^as to-day delivered to the offjcc of naval requisites the 
inventory of the Steam CoiTcrte Hamburg for the years 
1850 and 1 85 1, except t!io>/' of I and VI details for 
185T, based upon the as accepted, of the re- 

'<'*v'ng and disbursing 

Bremerhavc nber 16, 1852. 

Fhe administration of the »)ffice for naval requisites. 

LuD Weber. 



Doil 



vw 



(*r?<f|V; 



(Setttficate of Gaptain ^^ebex 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

him the present certificate under my own hand and seal 
of office. 

Bremerhaven the 12th of December, 1852. 

The Commander-in-Chief of the German Navy, 

R. B ROM MY, 
»fX Rear Admiral. 




[ CERTIFICATE OF CAPTAIN WEBER ] 

No. 4195 

Office of the overseer of naval requisites 
for the North Sea Coast. 

This is to testify that Lieutenant 2nd class Mr. Dallas 
has to-day delivered to the office of naval requisites the 
inventory of the Steam Corvette Hamburg for the years 
1850 and 1 85 1, except those of I and VI details for 
1 85 1, based upon the extracts, as accepted, of the re- 
ceiving and disbursing registers. 

Bremerhaven, December 16, 1852. 
The administration of the office for naval requisites. 

LuD. Weber. 



[lOl] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE UNITED STATES MINISTER AT BERLIN TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Legation of the U. States, 
Berlin, Dec. 17, 1852. 
Dear Sir, 

I hasten to enclose to you a copy of a Letter which I 
have just reed, from M. de Bismarck-Schoenhausen, at 
Frankfurt, in answer to my application to him in your 
behalf. 

He mentions a circumstance concerning you of which 
I was not aware when I wrote to him. But, notwith- 
standing, you will see that his letter is, on the whole, a 
kind & favorable one. 

Very respectfully & truly 
Yours, 
F. G. Dallas, Esqr. D. D. Barnard. 



Enclosure 

[ HERR VON BISMARCK TO THE UNITED STATES 
MINISTER AT BERLIN ] 

Monsieur the Minister, 

I have received the letter under date of the 8th Oc- 
tober, which your Excellency has done me the honor to 
address to me, asking me to intercede with the federal 
authorities in favor of Mr. Dallas. I have, myself, been 
employed in procuring information regarding the per- 
il 102] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

son and antecedents of Mr. Dallas, in order to bring 
them to the notice of my colleagues when communi- 
cating to them the letter which Your Excellency has 
been kind enough to address to me. The result is, that 
according to the official registers of the American 
Marine (Navy-register 1849, page 118) Mr. Dallas 
obtained his resignation from the place of Passed Mid- 
shipman in the service of the United States the ninth 
September, 1848, because of an afifair of honor termi- 
nating in a duel, so I have been told. It was only eight 
months later that Mr. Dallas was provisionally engaged 
by the Agents of the central powers of Germany, for 
service on board the frigate Hansa (United States), 
bought in America. This engagement was made for 
three months, during which the passage to Europe of 
the Hansa ought to be accomplished, and under the 
condition that Mr. Dallas at the expiration of this term 
would have the right to claim the expenses of his return 
voyage to America, in case he did not succeed in being 
placed in the German Marine. Since his arrival in 
Europe Mr. Dallas has been named lieutenant in the 
said marine by letters patent of the i9"August, 1849. 

This information, founded upon the official docu- 
ments which have been presented to me, prove that Mr. 
Dallas has not sacrificed an assured position in the ser- 
vice of his country in order to enter that of Germany, 
but that for about a year he found himself without reg- 
ular employment, when the post which he has since 
occupied was conferred on him. 

The case of Mr. Dallas thus presents no other circum- 
stance, of a nature to engage the authorities working on 
the dissolution of the Marine, to assure to this officer ex- 
ceptional advantages, and [yet he] proposes to become 

[103II 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

the object of just claims on the part of his comrades. 
Nevertheless I pray Your Excellency to be persuaded 
that I have not failed to make the members of the Fed- 
eral Commission, charged with the administration of 
marines, appreciate all the import of the observations 
which Your Excellency has turned to account in the in- 
terest of Mr. Dallas, and with the zeal which inspires 
[in] me the desire to give to Your Excellency a pledge 
of the high esteem which I hold towards him, I will try 
to guarantee to the intercession of Your Excellency all 
the success that will be compatible with the resolutions 
already agreed upon by the Diet and with the regards 
of the rest of the officers, who like Mr. Dallas, after 
three years of honorable service, find themselves in a 
situation conforming so little to the eventualities which 
they expected when entering the service of the above 
central power of Germany. 

However, Mr. Dallas, being one of the number of 
officers named by His Imperial Highness the Archduke 
John, will be in the category of the most privileged em- 
ployees of the marine. He will be amongst those to 
whom we shall accord more favorable conditions than 
to the others and whose existence having to be regulated 
to a definite standard, will form the object of further 
dissensions in the very heart of the Diet. 

I take this occasion to offer to Your Excellency the 
assurance of my very distinguished consideration. 

s.l. 
Frankfort M, 14 December, 1852. 

(Signed) V. Blsmarck. 
To his Excellency 

Monsieur D. D. Barnard, 
Minister plenipotentiary, &c. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ DECREE OF THE HIGH FEDERAL DIET ] 

Translation 
No 4268 

The Commander in Chief of the Navy. 

According to the resolution of the High Federal As- 
sembly of July 29 — c. a., namely: 

1. The relation of service of those officers and em- 
ployes of the navy doing duty with commissions without 
reserve is, by the ordered dissolution of the German 
fleet, to be considered completed and dissolved, but, as 
they will have to continue their services, as far as neces- 
sary, until the material of the fleet is disposed of, the 
room-salaries, until the end of their services, are to be 
left to them. 

2. But to each of them, from the day on which his 
services end, this non-active salary, corresponding with 
his position, is to be rendered for the period of one year, 
with the invitation to look during this time for some 
other service or employment, 

3. Finally, concerning those officers, who within that 
period could not find employment and should desire 
extended assistance, further resolutions are to be consid- 
ered, especially in regard to the manner and measure 
of support, yet to be stipulated. It will be necessary to 
release several officers from their services, as their em- 
ployment becomes unnecessary. 

Therefore are, and the Chief Commander of the navy 
has hereby directed, the officers not necessary to be in- 
vited to resign and to be made acquainted with the con- 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

tents of this resolution, with the advice that, as soon as 
they have found employment, they must inform the 
Committee of Naval Afifairs of the Federal Diet. 

The commissariat department is directed to order the 
payment of non-active salaries for one year to the of- 
ficers to be released from services. 

The Commander in Chief acquaints you with the 
above extract from the decree of the President of the 
High Federal Diet of Aug. 20, c. a., in order that you 
may know it and act accordingly, and he advises you at 
the same time that he considers your further services, in 
connection with this decree, dispensable; and that you 
may now draw the non-active salary due you, from the 
respective special department. 

Bremerhaven, Dec. 23, 1852. 
The Commander in Chief of the Navy, 

R. Brommy, 
Rear admiral. 
To 

the lieutenant 2nd class, 
Mr. Dallas. 



1:1063 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO THE CHIEF COMMANDER 
OF THE NAVY ] 

No 8541, with Appendix. 
28/12/52. 
Lieutenant 2nd class 

Dallas 
to the Chief Commander 
of the Navy. 
I beg to present to the High Chief Commander in the 
appendix a declaration, which I would be pleased to 
have forwarded to the Supreme command. 

Bremerhaven, Dec. 22, 1852. 
F. G. Dallas, 

Lt. 2nd class. 
Please return 
to Lt. Dallas. 
R. Marmsey, 
Commander. 
Bremerhaven, Dec. 28, 1852. 



Enclosure 

Declaration. 

The undersigned lieutenant 2nd class in the German 
Federal Navy declares herewith that he cannot consider 
the sum of 300 Thaler, paid to him at the time of his 

1:107 J 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

resigning from the active service, as final payment, but 
only as an advanced payment of one year's non-active 
salary, as due to him per budget, and does not abandon, 
by accepting this sum, his demands, which he intends to 
present to a High Federal Assembly. 

Bremerhaven, Dec. 22, 1852. 

Francis G. Dallas. 



[ LATE passed MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ] 

Washington, D. C, 

Febry 17th, 1853. 
To the Honble. 
Secretary of the Navy. 
Sir, 

I beg leave most respectfully to request you to pre- 
sent the following statement and application to the 
President of the United States. In the month of June, 
1848, it came to my knowledge that several persons then 
attached to the Naval School had made slanderous re- 
ports affecting my character; these were doubly annoy- 
ing as they were made to a Lady who I hoped at some 
future day to make my wife. Smarting under this in- 
jury I laid the case before Judge Mason, then Secretary 
of the Navy, requesting a Court of Inquiry, hoping to 
avoid transgressing the regulations of the Service. The 
Secretary did not see fit to grant this request. I chal- 
lenged the persons who had slandered me, left the State 
of Maryland and fought the originator of the slander, a 
few days later passed my examination at the Naval 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

School and was made a Passed Midshipman. Three 
months after this examination I was dismissed the Navy 
on account of the Duel, at the same time receiving from 
the Secretary of the Navy a certificate of good conduct, 
and that the ofifence of the Duel was the sole charge 
against me during my entire term of service. 

Since the commencement of 1849 I have served in the 
German Navy, as the ist Leiutenant of a Man of War 
and as commander of one, with credit to myself as the 
enclosed certificates will show. I beg leave most Re- 
spectfully to represent my case, and to hope that I have 
been punished sufficiently for my fault in transgressing 
the regulations of the Navy and to request of the Presi- 
dent to reinstate me in my position as established by the 
examination of the date of Midshipmen who entered 
the service in 1841. 

I have been constantly in a Naval Service since my 
dismissal and in active service, and I trust the President 
may see fit to show towards me this act of clemency. 
Accompanying this letter are letters and certificates 
from Commanders under whom I served in the Amer- 
ican Navy, and I further respectfully refer the Depart- 
ment to the letters and reports on file relative to my case. 
I have the honor 

to be, Sir, very Res p. 

Yr. Obdt. Servt, 
[Francis G. Dallas.] 



[109;] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
Feby 23rd, 1853. 
Sir, 

Your letter of the 17th instant, asking to be restored 
to the Navy of the United States and enclosing testi- 
monials of your service in the Imperial Navy of Ger- 
many since the commencement of the year 1849, has 
been received. 

The circumstances leading to your separation from 
the Navy of the United States, together with all the 
papers relating to your case, have been submitted to, and 
have received the careful consideration of, the Presi- 
dent. 

Viewing the testimonials which you have presented 
from officers of rank of the Imperial Navy of Germany 
as strong evidence of your zeal, energy and efficiency, as 
well as of your gentlemanly bearing and correct deport- 
ment as an Officer, the President has been pleased to 
direct that you be restored to the Navy of the United 
States, in your original grade of'a Passed Midshipman. 

It affords me pleasure to enclose to you a Warrant as 
Passed Midshipman, to take rank next after Passed 
Midshipman Charles Woodruff Woolley, and to take 
date from the loth of August, 1847. 

The certificates of your service in the Imperial Navy 
of Germany (7 in number) are herewith restored to 

[no] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

you. You will await the further orders of the Depart- 
ment. 

I am, very respectfully, 

Your obt. servant, 
John P. Kennedy.^ 
Pass. Midshipman Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 

Washington, D. C. 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

Feby. 23rd, 1853. 
Sir, 

Leave of absence is hereby granted to you until the 
ist of January next, with permission to visit Europe. At 
the expiration of this leave you will report to the De- 
partment. 

I am, respectfully, 

Your obt servt, 

John P. Kennedy. 
Pass. Midn 
Fras G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 

Washington, D. C. 

^ John Pendleton Kennedy of Maryland, Secretary of the Navy, 
appointed by President Fillmore, July 26, 1852. 



Cm] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ CAPTAIN PARKER TO PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Philadelphia, 

March i6th, 1853. 
Dr. Sir, 

I have received your letter of the 14th instant and am 
happy to hear you have been restored to your proper 
position in the U. S. Navy. 

I handed no list of names to the German Government 
for commissions in their Navy, but on my return home 
in March, 1849, I mentioned your name to Baron 
Roenne, Minister at the time from Germany to our Gov- 
ernment, who was authorised to select officers for the 
German Navy. 

If you think proper you can submit this to the Honble 
Secretary of the Navy in order to get proper credit for 
Sea Service. 

Yours with Regard, 
FoxHALL A. Parker, 



Passed Midn 
F. G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
New York. 



Captain, U. S. Navy. 



C112: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE UNITED STATES MINISTER AT BERLIN TO 
LATE LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Legation of the U. States, 

Berlin, Apl 13, 1853, 
at 5. O'clock P.M. 
Dear Sir, 

I have this moment reed your letter of the 8th. I 
fear, of course, that this note may not reach you at 
Bremen. 

I advise you by all means to go in person to Frank- 
furt. I have just read in the Paper that an allowance of 
40 Thalers per mo. is made to the Belgian officers, lately 
in the German service, until they shall find other service 
or employment. 

I have said to the Prussian Minister at Frankfurt all 
I am able to say in your behalf. You know, I think, 
that I addressed him a second letter. I hope sincerely, 
you may be successful. 

With great respect 

Yr. obt servt, 

D. D. Barnard. 
Lieut. Dallas. 



Ci's: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ LATE LIEUTENANT DALLAS TO THE HIGH DIET OF 
THE GERMAN CONFEDERATION ] 

To the High Diet 
of 

the German Confederacy 
at Frankfurt on Mayn. 

High Diet: 

The Undersigned Francis G. Dallas, a citizen and, 
until the year 1849, an officer of the Navy of the United 
States of America which he at that time, in accordance 
with the wishes of His Imperial Highness the Arche 
Duke John, Regent of the Germanic Confederacy, to 
have American officers for the German navy, expressed 
to the President of the United States, and at the par- 
ticular request of Baron Roenne, the Envoy of the 
Germanic confederacy with the United States of Amer- 
ica, quitted and accepted at that time an appointment 
in the German navy, for which purpose he came over 
with the German steam frigatte Hansa. 

His appointment as lieutenant was under date of 19th 
August, 1849, confirmed by His Imperial Highness the 
Arche Duke John, then Regent of the Germanic con- 
federacy, and a permanent commission was granted to 
him, signed by His Imperial Highness under date 19th 
August, 1849, and countersigned by the Imperial Min- 
ister Gen. Lt. A. Jochmus, Imperial Minister of Ma- 
rine Merck, and General secretary Kerst. The un- 
dersigned has ever since attended to his official duties 

[114] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

with zeal and to the best of his abilities and he flatters 
himself to the satisfaction of his superiors. 

On the 1 2th Dec, 1852, a resolution from the High 
Diet was communicated to the officers of the German 
fleet by Contre Admiral Brommy to the effect that the 
officers of the same should be discharged. It would be 
contrary to the well known sense of justice and equity 
of the High Diet, to assume that the High Diet had 
thereby intended to deprive the undersigned and all 
such other officers of the German navy, who in confi- 
dence in the good faith of the German governments had 
sacrificed their former stations to enter into the German 
services, of their legal rights and their permanent posi- 
tion, without allowing to them their permanent due pay 
of non-activity. That the High Diet had no such inten- 
tion is confirmed by its resolution, granting the pay of 
non-activity to five of the officers of the German navy, 
who had quitted the Belgian service. 

The position of the undersigned is exactly the same 
as the one of these officers ; like them he had resigned his 
place in the Navy of his country and sacrificed there the 
prospect of an honorable and advantageous career, like 
them he had done so under the assurance that his posi- 
tion in the German navy should be a permanent one, 
and as the records of the Navy Department of the High 
Diet will show, his position and his claim are exactly 
the same as those of said fellow officers, which the High 
Diet by its resolution has acknowledged as well founded 
and valid. The undersigned abstains therefore from 
adding further arguments to support his claim relying 
on the high sense of justice and equity which in all in- 
stances has been evinced by the High Diet, and in 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

appealing thereon, the undersigned most humbly pe- 
titions the High Diet: 

To grant to him the pay of non-activity due to his 
rank and in accordance with his commission as 
lieutenant of the Navy signed by His Imperial 
Highness the Arche Duke John, the Regent of the 
German Confederacy. 

The undersigned, who had come to this place for the 
purpose of laying personally his just claim before the 
High Diet, is unexpectedly obliged to return imme- 
diately to America, on account of family affairs, where- 
by he is prevented of receiving himself the decision of 
the Diet; he therefore adds the respectful supplication 
of having the same delivered for him to Mr. Chas. 
Graebe, United States Consul at this place, who for this 
purpose and for the one to forward the same to him is 
fully empowered. 

The undersigned, in the expectation of a favorable 
decision from the High Diet, will ever Pray. 
The High Diet['s] 

most humble servant, 
Francis G. Dallas, 
Lieutenant of the German navy. 
Frankfurt on the Mayn, 
the i6th April, 1853. 



[ COMMITTEE OF THE FEDERAL DIET TO LATE 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

In reply to your petition of the i6th c, I am directed 
to say that the desired "permanent grant of non-active 

C"6] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

salary" cannot be considered and is hereby referred to 
the respective interpretations of the decree of the Fed- 
eral Diet, communicated to you at the time of your dis- 
missal. 

Frankfurt a/M. April 27, 1853. 
In the name of the Committee of the Federal Diet 
for Military Afifairs. 
To Lieutenant 2nd Class, Mr. F. G. Dallas. 



[ THE UNITED STATES CONSUL AT FRANKFURT TO 
PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Frankfurt, the 30th April, 1853. 
Dear Sir, 

I did not expect that I should have been able of for- 
warding to you so soon the decision from the Bundes- 
tag, which I regret is adverse to your demand. Imi- 
diatly after the receipt of yours from Bremen I called 
on the Prussian, the Hessian and the Hamburg mem- 
bers, wherewith I am acquainted; they all acknowl- 
edged the justice of your claim, but said that by a 
resolution of the Diet they were bound and that there 
was no expectation that the same would be rescinded, as 
Bavaria had made it a condition for granting the pay to 
the Belgian officers, that no further demands should be 
received. 

I learned further that even the Belgian officers owed 
their success merely to their King's personal interces- 
sion, and nothing will therefore be left for you but to 
ask the protection and aid of our government. 

The inclosure will show to the President, that you 
have in vain soUicited your rights; there does (in Ger- 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

many) not exist a judicial court, whereby you could 
bring a suit against the German confederacy or its organ 
the Bundestag. The same are above the laws, and can 
only be reached by foreign government strong enough 
to bring them to their sense and to oblige them to do 
justice at least to those who do not owe allegiance to 
them. 

Our government has the means in hand, by a mere 
hint to the Prussian government that the treaty, which 
the same has negotiated with ours, for the mutual deliv- 
ery of criminals, fugitives from justice, might meet with 
opposition in the Senate, should that body learn the un- 
just treatment you had received from the German con- 
federacy. Prussia lays a great stress on the treaty and 
to secure its ratification will go to work for you, under 
the expectation that one Nail will drive another one out. 

So far as I could learn, are Austria and Bavaria the 
main opposing states for doing justice to the Navy of- 
ficers of the former German fleet; it is said principally, 
because Austria, by depriving the officers of their just 
dues, expects that they will be forced to enter into its 
service, whereby it might obtain good Navy officers at 
no higher pay and emoluments than what it has set out 
in its budget for common and uneducated ones, so 
profitting by the misfortune of those who had trusted in 
the good faith of Germany and the word of an Austrian 
Arche Duke. Can I do anything more in the case or in 
any other way, let me know it and you can rest assured 
that my services will at all times be devoted to you, 
meantime I can only advise you to see the President and 
ask our government's intercession; it is a national affair, 
that you should have done justice to you. In Germany 
all appointments are permanent, and no one can be de- 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

prived thereof, except by the verdict of a regular court 
of justice ; a mere suspension or placing of nonactivity is 
always connected with the legaly fixed pay, for which 
even in the single states of Germany a suit can be 
brought against its government, but as already re- 
marked, there exists no court nor judge who can com- 
pell the German Diet to fuUfill its obligation or to pay 
its due, and I am ignorant of any other way you can 
obtain justice due to you, except through the interme- 
diation of our government. 

Excuse this hasty letter, but I wanted to make yet use 
of the Franklin to send to you the inclosure, which al- 
though bearing date of 27th has only been sent or 
delivered to me with a letter from Baron Prohesh 
[Prokesch?], half an hour ago. 

Your truly devoted servt, 

Chas. Graebe.^ 



[ THE UNITED STATES CONSUL AT FRANKFURT TO 
PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Frankfurt a/M, the 6th May, 1853. 
Dear Sir, 

I wrote to you on the 30th last, forwarding the reply 
of the Diet to your claim; I have since learned that in 
order to cut ofif all further reclamation, the then yet 
existing Navy board was on the same day dissolved. 
Col. Borgingnau has returned to Trieste, and the other 
members to their respective homes, the clerks, runners, 
doorkeepers were dismissed with three months pay, and 
^ The American consul at Frankfurt a/M. 

1:119] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

only Marinerath Bordan has obtained, it is said only for 
a year, the pay of nonactivity. Admiral Brommy has 
shared your fate of being refused. Nothing remains 
therefore for you than to ask the protection of our gov- 
ernment; in doing so, you must draw the attention of the 
same to the fact, that the government of the Reichs Ver- 
w^eser had not been a revolutionary one, but a legal 
authority. 

The German Diet was created by the acts of Vienna 
of 1815, the Federal organ and Executive; as such it in- 
formed, on the 3rd day of July, 1848, the Arche Duke 
John of Austria, that he had been chosen by the German 
sovereigns as the Reichsverweser of the German con- 
federacy and on the 12th July, 1848, the Diet delivered 
solemnly over its power and rights, in the name and by 
order of the German sovereigns, to the Arche Duke 
Reichsverweser. His authority, rights and prerogatives 
did therefore not soly rest on his election by the Na- 
tional assembly, but he was with the advice and consent 
of all the German states and sovereigns the lawfull heir 
of the Diet; his acts and deeds were therefore binding 
as well on the Germanic confederacy as also on the sepa- 
rate states. 

Your appointment and commission holds therefore as 
good as if made by the Diet itself or by the German 
governments. According to the rules and regulations 
of the German states, every appointment is permanent, 
unless the contrary is contained in the commission ; such 
not being the case with yours, every judiciary court 
could decide your appointment a permanent one, which 
can not be broken, unless by a regular court martial for 
crimes and misdeeds on which casheering stands; other- 
wise you would have claim for pay and rank during all 

D20;] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

your life time. If your appointment had been made in 
any of the German states, you could even not have been 
pensioned without your consent unless by a regular 
court pronounced you invalid, and for every trespass on 
your rights you could have obtained judgment against 
the government in its own judiciary court. 

But there exists no judiciary court, in which a suit 
can be brought against the Diet or the Germanic con- 
federacy; the decisions of the former are without 
appeal. It can commit the greatest and bare faced in- 
justice, without that the injured party can obtain any 
redress, unless he belongs to a foreign nation, whose 
government will take up his case. You must rest your 
claim entirely on the facts that you have entered the 
German navy with the full understanding that the ap- 
pointment should be a permanent one, that your com- 
mission granted to you by the Reichs Verweser was 
worded in the usual way, that the same did not contain 
a single word of your not being appointed permanent, 
that the Reichs Verweser was the lawfuU Organ of all 
the German states, that consequently you had a right 
and were entitled to your pay for life time, that it does 
not concern the Diet wheither, at the time of entering 
in the German navy, you were in the actual service of 
the U. S. or in other honorable and profitable employ, 
the question did not rest thereon, but soly were your 
appointment intended as a permanent one and had the 
Reichs Verweser a right to make such an appointment, 
that whereas both must be decided in the affirmative, 
you had a legal claim against the whole Germanic con- 
federacy, and by the want of federal judiciary courts I 
am being debarred to obtain legal justice, and govern- 
ment was bound to protect your rights. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Only in such a way, you can expect of seeing justice 
done to you, petitions, representations, all will be with- 
out avail; the Diet desires to errase out of the history 
the events of 1848 and 1849 and with them all obliga- 
tions and engagements. The poor Germans interested 
can do nothing but to submit and grumble, justice and 
equity does not exist for them; and whilst our former 
administration has passed quietly by some of the most 
shamefull abuses, the German governments and the Diet 
believes that it could treat you with the same injustice. 
I hope therefore that our present worthy President 
will take up your case, which being so clear and unde- 
niable, he can easily make the Diet render to you what 
is due to you. 

From the aforestanding you will see that nothing can 
be done here, except through our government. Should 
you however know of something, give to me your com- 
mands and I will with pleasure execute them; it will at 
all times afford to me the greatest pleasure of being able 
to render to you any service. Meantime 

I remain 

Respectfully and sincerely 
Your devoted 

Chas. Graebe, 

U. S. Consul. 
Captain F. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
care 

of Mess. Wetmore & Kryder, 
South Street, 
New York. 



D22:] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS TO THE UNITED STATES 
CONSUL AT FRANKFURT ] 

New York City, Septbr 30th, 1853. 
Dear Sir, 

I have been prevented from answering your very kind 
communication of the 30th of April last fully, from my 
absence at the South. I beg you to believe, my dear Sir, 
that I entirely appreciate your promptness, and par- 
ticular courtesy in attending to my claim on the German 
Diet. I have been advised by a member of the cabinet 
at Washington, to delay my direct appeal to the Presi- 
dent upon this matter until the meeting of Congress for 
several reasons, among others that the President has at 
the present moment much to occupy him, again that 
when Congress is in session, my case could be brought 
directly to the attention of the Senate of the United 
States; these reasons have caused me to delay direct 
action upon this matter for the present. I wish how- 
ever through your kindness to urge upon the diet the 
granting of me nonactive pay for the coming year, ac- 
cording to the terms expressed in resolutions of the Diet 
referred to in the letter of Baron Brohert [Prokesch?], 
for the following reasons: I think it would strengthen 
my claim upon the Diet, also to show the Senate at 
Washington such action of the Diet at Frankfurt, which 
I think would be regarded by the Senate as a decided 
recognition of my claim upon the German Diet for a 
pension for life. As to the best and most desirable 
method of addressing the Diet about the payment of the 
next year's nonactive pay, I beg you would write me 

D23:] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

any suggestions upon this subject that you may consider 
desirable for me to follow. 

It is my intention to make a direct demand of and 
from the Diet for the payment of my nonactive pay for 
the coming year on the ist of January next, and farther 
in case of refusal to pursue this claim as far as it lays in 
my power to do, and I trust you will have the kindness 
to assist me in this matter, and any advice you may see 
fit to write me I shall be much pleased to accept. 

You will I am certain read the state paper of the 
Secretary of State, Mr. Marcy, relative to the dispute 
with the Austrian Government, with great satisfaction, 
showing as it does the determination of our Government 
to protect not alone its native citizens but also its nat- 
uralized ones, even when they have only renounced 
their allegiance to their own country and affirmed their 
determination to become citizens of the United States; 
this paper will create much discussion in European 
circles.^ 

If I can be of any service to you in New York or in 
the United States I shall be most happy to place those 
services at your disposal. 

Please send your letters to the care of Messes. Wet- 
more & Kryder, No. 73 South Street, New York. 
I remain, Dear Sir, 

Respt yr Obt Servt, 

F. G. Dallas. 

^ Allusion to the case of Martin Koszta, a naturalized American 
citizen arrested by an Austrian consul at Smyrna, whose surrender 
was demanded and obtained by Captain Duncan N. Ingraham, U. S. 

Navy. 



[1243 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

[ CHARLES C. TUCKER TO PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Washington, D. C, November ist, 1853. 
Sir, 

It is probably known to you that the last Congress 
granted double pay to all Officers, Seamen, and Ma- 
rines of the United States Navy who served in the 
Pacific Ocean from 1848 to 1852. The grounds upon 
which this measure was passed by Congress, were the 
additional labor imposed upon Officers and men and 
the high prices then ranging in California and through- 
out the Pacific. 

No provision was made for those who served in the 
Gulf Squadron, although the same causes for double 
pay will apply to some extent, but I believe that if the 
matter was properly brought before the next Congress, 
and proper influence exerted, double pay could also be 
obtained for those who served in the Gulf of Mexico, 
during the Mexican war. 

I take the liberty of addressing you and the Officers 
who will be entitled to double pay, should such a meas- 
ure pass Congress, and calling your attention to the 
matter. The business at which I am engaged, is the 
prosecution of Claims against the United States before 
Congress and the Departments, and I propose to exert 
efforts to bring this matter before Congress and secure 
its passage, in case I can make it an object to pay me for 
my trouble and time and means expended, if successful. 

I propose to exert the influence of myself and friends 
in the next Congress, to have a section, granting this 
double pay, placed in the Naval Appropriation Act of 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

the coming session, and if successful, prepare such 
Claim and attend to it until paid, for ten per cent, of 
the amount that I may obtain for such, this being the 
same percentage that will be demanded by Attorneys, 
after the passage of the Act. If unsuccessful no charge 
whatever will be made. 

If my proposal is satisfactory I would request an 
early reply, as it is important that the measure be in- 
troduced early in the ensuing Congress. If the bill is 
passed, I will give to those with whom I am unac- 
quainted complete references as to my standing and 
business qualifications, when sending forms and instruc- 
tions for drawing the money. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Chas. C. Tucker. 
To 

P. Md. F. G. Dallas, U. S. N., 
Bixby's Hotel, 
New York. 



[ CERTIFICATE OF THE UNITED STATES CONSUL 
AT FRANKFURT ] 

Consulate of the United States of America 

for 

Hannover, Hesse Cassel, Darmstadt, and pro tern. 

for Frankfurt. 

I, the undersigned. United States Consul, certify 
herewith that the tenor and the wording of the commis- 
sion of Francis Gregory Dallas, Esq., of the U. S., as 

D263 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Lieutenant in the German Imperial Navy, copy of 
which is on the other side, is identical and literaly the 
same as all such commissions of the German states, 
where the appointment is a permanent (during life 
time) one. 

Such an appointed Officer cannot be dismissed, unless 
by judgment of a regular court either martial or crimi- 
nal; otherwise he is entitled during his natural life 
time, to his pay, full one if employed, half pay if on 
nonactivity, or a pension if unable to serve; and if such 
is refused or not made to him, he can bring a suit against 
the government from which he holds the appointment, 
in its regular court, and will at all times obtain a judg- 
ment in his favor. 

There exist however no Judiciary court, either fed- 
eral or state ones, in which the German confederacy, or 
her organ the Bundestag, can be sued; no remedy exists 
in this country for Lieutenant Dallas to seek and obtain 
relief. Lieutenant Dallas having in vain tried the way 
of petition, a petition having been made by him and 
submitted through my mediation to the Bundestag, who 
gave a flat refusal to the same, without any reasons for 
their decision. 

In testimony whereof I have given this certifi- 
cate under my hand and affixed the seal of this Con- 
sulate. Done at Frankfurt on the Mayn the 5th 
day of November, A.D. 1853, and the 78th of the 
Independence of the U. S. America. 

Chas. Graebe, 

U. S. Consul. 



1:1273 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
November 22, 1853. 
Sir, 

The exigencies of the service make it necessary to 
curtail the leave of absence granted you, under date 23d 
February, 1853, and you will proceed, without delay to 
New York, and report to Captain Boarman for duty on 
board the U. S. Sloop of War Albany. 
I am Respectfully 

Your obt Sert, 
Passed Midsm. J. C. DOBBIN.^ 

Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
Wilmington, 
Delaware. 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
Decemr 21, 1853. 
Sir, 

The Department having been informed by yourself 
of your great desire to avoid going on a distant cruise 

1 James Cochrane Dobbin of North Carolina, Secretary of the 
Navy, appointed by President Pierce, March 8, 1853. 

C128] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

immediately, made a searching examination of the reg- 
ister of officers, and is constrained to say that the condi- 
tion of the public service is such that in order to give the 
proper complement to the Decatur it becomes necessary 
to order you to that vessel. You will, therefore, at the 
expiration of your leave of absence, proceed to Boston, 
Masstts, and report to Commo. Gregory for duty on 
board the Sloop of War Decatur. 

I am, respectfully, 

Your obt. Servt. 

J. C. Dobbin. 
Pass. Midn 
F. G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
New York. 



[ COMMANDER STERRETT TO PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

U. S. Ship Decatur, 
Nantasket Roads, Jany 13th, 1854. 
Sir, 

You are hereby ordered to perform the duties of a 
Lieutenant on board this ship. 

Very Respectfully 

Your obt. servt., 

Isaac S. Sterrett, 

Commander. 
Passd. Midn. F. G. Dallas. 



D29II 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDER STERRETT ] 

U. S. Ship Decatur, 
Hampton Roads, Feby 14th, 1854. 
This is to certify that Passd Midn. F. G. Dallas has 
performed the duties of a Lieutenant on board this ship 
agreeable to my order of January 13th, 1854. 

Isaac S. Sterrett, 

Commander. 



[ CORRESPONDING CLERK OF THE NAVY DEPARTMENT 
TO PASSED MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

My dear Sir, 

Your note of the i6th inst. came duly to hand. The 
corrections you desire relative to your employment in 
the Naval Service will be made so far as your statement 
conforms to the official record. 

After a careful examination the result is as follows: 

Sea other duty 

Nov.24th/4i to BostonRecgShip — Dec. 

24/41 Columbia o. i.o 

Jan. 11/45 detached & 3 mos leave — 

Apl. 7/45 to Ny Yd., Pensacola, 3-0.i7 — 0.11.3 

Mch. 10/46 detached & to Home Squad. 

— Nov. 4/46 Refd & 2 mos leave 0.7.24 

Mch. 10/47 to Saratoga — Dec. 24/47 

Ref . & to School 
4 June 48 — July 6/48 Detached & wait. 

orders Sep. 9./48 dismissed 0.9.14 o. 6.2 

yrs. mos. yrs. mos. 

4. 6. I. 6. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

It is not usual to note in the Annual Register the period 
of employment of an Officer whilst separated from his 
Country's Service; the object being to show the actual 
Service performed whilst in the Naval Service of the 
United States, it would be somewhat anomalous to in- 
clude foreign service. I simply state the usual practice 
of the Department; to make your case an exception re- 
quires the direction of the Secretary of the Navy. 
Yr. Obt. Servt, 

Jno. Etheridge. 
Apl 22d, 1854. 



[ the SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

May I St, 1854. 
Sir, 

Your letter of the 27th ultimo has been received. 
Sea service cannot be credited to an officer unless per- 
formed under the order or authority of the Department. 
As there are many cases in the Navy where Officers 
have been out of the service for a time and no mention is 
made of it in the Register, the Department declined to 
make an exception in your case, but when the next Reg- 
ister is about being compiled it will take all similar 
cases into consideration. 

I am, respectfully, 

Your Obdt Servt, 
Passed Midshipman J. C. DOBBIN. 

Francis G. Dallas, U. S. N. 
Sloop Decatur, 
Norfolk, Va. 

[ISO 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ COMMANDER STERRETT TO PASSED 
MIDSHIPMAN DALLAS ] 



Sir, 



U. S. Sloop of War Decatur, 
off Cape Pillar, Jany 4th, 1855. 



By authority vested in me as Commander of this ship, 
I hereby appoint you Acting Master, in the place of 
Acting Master Thos. S. Phelps, appointed Actg lieuten- 
ant, subject to the approval of the Honorable Secretary 

^^' Very respectfully 

Your obdt. servant, 
Passed Midshipman ISAAC S. STERRETT, 

F. G. Dallas, Commander. 

Acting Master, U. S. Ship Decatur. 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO MASTER DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

October 23d, 1855. 
Sir: 

Herewith you will receive a warrant appointing you 
a Master (in the line of promotion) in the Navy of the 
United States from the 14th day of September, 1855, 
the receipt of which you will acknowledge to this De- 

^ ■ I am respectfully yours, 

Master J. C. Dobbin. 

Francis G. Dallas, 

U. S. Ship Decatur, 
Pacific. 

D32] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
October 25, 1855. 
Sir: 

The President of the United States having appointed 
you a Lieutenant in the Navy from the 15th of Septem- 
ber, 1855, I have the pleasure to enclose herewith your 
Commission, dated the 22d Inst, the receipt of which 
you will acknowledge to the Department. 
I am, respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
Lieutenant J. C. DOBBIN. 

Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 

U. S. Ship Decatur, 
Pacific. 



[ LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DE RUSSY TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Lieut. F. G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 

Puget Sound, W. T. 

San Francisco, Gala. 

June 4th, 1856. 
I have been much gratified, my dear Dallas, at the 
rapid strides you have lately been taking in the Navy; 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

and I sincerely hope that before long you will find your- 
self in Command of a snug Steamer. 

Although a bad correspondent I have kept an eye on 
your doings in Puget Sound, and from what I have 
gathered from papers and from those cognizant with 
the circumstances, your services have been actively de- 
voted to the good of the service and highly meritorious. 
I compliment you, my dear Dallas, most sincerely for 
your Zeal and success. 

I herewith enclose a letter (the only one I found at 
G. B. Post & Co.) for you; as the mail arrived yester- 
day, from the East, I will before I send this enquire 
again at that house and at the Post office, and should 
any thing be found for you, I will enclose it in this also. 

The people of San Francisco have been living for 
the last three weeks in constant excitement; fortunately 
I am out of the way of it and can only judge of the facts 
as they appear in the papers. I send you by the mail a 
few papers in which I hope you may find some interest- 
ing matter.^ 

We often speak of you in the family and will be 
happy to see you again with us. 

You make enquiries after your cousin. We frequently 
receive letters from the girls; they are well and their 
little families are all beautiful and doing wonders, but 
as for Dorp, he is terribly lazy since he took a pretty 
wife. As far as we know, however, they are all well. 

Hammersly has returned, his health is no better, he 
suffers a great deal. I have not seen him for some time 
and conclude that he is in Sacramento. 

Mrs. deRussy, Mrs. Maxwell, Maxwell and sweet 

1 Apparently alluding to the activities of the Vigilance Committee 
of 1856. 

[134II 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

little Laura beg to be remembered, the latter sends 
cousin Frank many kisses. 

God bless you, my dear Dallas. 

Ever your devoted friend, 

R. E. DeRussy. 
June 4th, Evening. 

P.S. No other letters for you either at the Post-office 
oratG. B. Post & Co. 

D. R. 



[ chief clerk of the navy department to 
lieutenant dallas ] 

Navy Department, 

August 25, 1856. 
Sir: 

The President of the United States, by and with the 
advice and consent of the Senate, having appointed you 
a Lieutenant in the Navy from the 15th of Septr, 1855, I 
have the pleasure to enclose herewith your Commission, 
dated the 24th ultimo, the receipt of which you will 
acknowledge to the Department. 

I am, respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
Chas. W. Welsh, 

chief clerk. 
Lieutenant 

Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 

U. S. Sloop Decatur, 
Pacific Squadn. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Forwarded by 
Wm Mervine, 

Comd. Pacific Squadron. 

Navy Department, 
March i6, 1857. 
Sir, 

You are hereby detached from the Sloop of War 
Decatur, and you will proceed to New York, where, on 
your arrival, you will report, by letter, to the Depart- 
ment, stating the day on which you shall have left the 
Decatur. 

I am, respectfully, 
Lieut. Your obt servt, 

Fras. G. Dallas, I. TouCEY.^ 

U. S. Ship Decatur, 
Panama, 
New Granada. 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
April 15, 1857. 
Sir, 

Having been detached from the Decatur on the 31st 
ultimo, and reported your return to the United States 

^ Isaac Toucey of Connecticut, Secretary of the Navy, appointed by 
President Buchanan, March 7, 1857. 

D36: 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

under the order of the Department, a leave of absence is 
hereby granted to you for Three months from this date, 
at the expiration of which you will report to the De- 
partment. 

I am, respectfully, 

Your Obdt. Servt, 

I. TOUCEY. 
Lieutenant 

Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
Astor House, 
New York. 



[THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
April 1 6, 1857. 
Sir: 

Proceed to Philadelphia by the 25th instant and re- 
port to Commo. Stewart on that day for duty on board 
the U. S. Receiving ship at that place. 
I am, respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

I. TOUCEY. 
Lieut. 

Fras. G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
New York. 



1^371 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ AUDITOR OF THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Treasury Department. 

Fourth Auditor's Office. 

April 23d, 1857. 
Sir: 

Herewith you will receive a certificate for $34.00, 
payable by the Navy Agent at Phila, which sum is the 
amount due you for expenses of detention at Panama 
and Aspinwall and transportation of baggage. 

The Navy Agent at Boston has been written to, in 
relation to your allotment, and as soon as his reply shall 
be received, your pay account will be settled and trans- 
ferred to the Phila Station, or any other that may be 
more convenient to you. 

I am, sir, respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

A. O. Deyton. 
Lieut. 

F. G. Dallas, 
U. S. Navy, 
Phila, 
Pa. 



D38] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ COMMANDER BRENT TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

U. S. Ship Marion, 
Sharks Point, Congo River, 

April 2ist, 1859. 
Sir, 

You will take command of the Prize Barque Orion, 
proceed at once to make the necessary preparations, & 
report to me when you shall be in all respects ready for 
sea. 

A Prize crew will be detailed immediately. 
I am. Very Respectfully, 

Your Obt. Servt. 
Thos. W. Brent, 
Commander. 
Lieutenant Francis G. Dallas, U. S. Navy. 



[ PURSER MYERS TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

U. S. S. Marion, 
Congo River, Apl. 23d, 1859. 
Sir, 

Please find enclosed the accounts of the Men & Ma- 
rines transferred to Prize Barque Orion. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obdt. Servt. 
To Henry Myers, 

Lieut F. G. Dallas, Purser, U. S. N. 

Comdt. 

Barque Orion. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ COMMANDER BRENT TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

U. S. Ship Marion, 
Sharks Point, Congo River, 

April 24th, 1859. 
Sir, 

You will proceed with the Prize Barque Orion, un- 
der your command, to the Port of New York, and upon 
your arrival, report to the Commandant of the Station 
& the Hon. Secretary of the Navy. 

You will place in the hands of the Hon. District 
Judge, the two packages directed to him. 

You will deliver the Prize together with the Officers 
& Crew into the custody of the U. S. Marshall. 
I am. Very Respectfully, 

Your Obt Servant, 
Thos. W. Brent, 
Lieutenant Commander. 

Francis G. Dallas, 

Comdg Prize Barque Orion. 



[ DANIEL G. BRENT TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

U. S. Ship Marion, 
Sharks Point, Congo River, 

April 24th, 1859. 
My Dear Sir, 

Will you do me the favor to leave at the Naval Ly- 
ceum, Nevk^ York, for Michael Vigote, Captain's 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Steward, payable to the order of his wife, or his brother 
Joseph Vigote, the accompanying package containing 
fifty-six dollars ($56) and you will oblige your friend. 

Daniel G. Brent. 
Lieutenant 

Francis G. Dallas, 

Comdg. Prize Barque Orion. 



[ RECEIPT BY UNITED STATES MARSHAL ] 

Reed, New York, 15th June, 1859, 
From Lieut. Dallas of the U. S. N. the Bark Orion. 
She having been seized on the Coast of Africa on sus- 
picion of being engaged in the Slave Trade, contrary to 
the Laws of the United States together with her mate, 
supercargo and Crew. 

Isaiah Rynder, 
U. S. Marshal, 
Southern District 
of N. Y. 



[ G. H. DEVOE to LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

My dear Dallas, 

I noticed your arrival this A.M. in command of a 
Prize, which I hope may prove one of value, & of course 
started for your old homestead the "Astor." Mrs. Stet- 
son told me you had gone to "the Yard" to deliver up to 
the Marshall of our Uncle the Orion. I suppose you 
will be engaged all day & will not attempt to meet you 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

until morning. I am very anxious to see you & live for 
a time the old times o'er. 

Capt. Murden left for New Orleans last week to re- 
turn in the Cutter McClelland to this port, the Wash- 
ington to remain at N. O. 

Dr. Taylor was transferred to the Falmouth from the 
Preble, I don't remember at what point. I hope you 
will stop in town for a few days. 

Ever yours, 

G. H. Devoe, 
Wednesday, i6i East 12th st. 

2^ p.m. 
June 15/59. 



[ commodore BREESE to LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Navy Yard, New York, 

June 16, 1859. 
Sir, 

So soon as the U. S. Marshal shall have taken the 
prize vessel Orion into his charge and keeping, you will 
transfer the prize crew with their accounts to the Re- 
ceiving Ship, having first landed and taken receipts for 
any government stores you may have charge of. 

Respectfully 

Y. Ob. Sert, 

Saml. L. Breese, 
Lieut. Comdg. Commdt. 

F. G. Dallas. 
U. S. Navy, 
New York. 

D42] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ UNITED STATES DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Office of the Attorney of the United States for 
the Southern Division of New York. 

New York, June 17th, 1859. 
Sir, 

In the trial of the barque Orion, brought here from 
the Coast of Africa by you, the testimony of yourself 
and Lieut. Campbell will be necessary for the govern- 
ment. 

As there is no Court in Session for business in the 
District during the months of July and August this trial 
will not take place before September or October, and as 
you will probably be absent from the City, I will thank 
you to inform me of your address, so that when the Case 
comes on for trial, I may procure your attendance. 

I will be obliged to you also if you inform Lieut. 
Campbell, now under your Command, of these facts 
and also let me know what will be his address hence- 
forth. 

I am Respectfully 
YourObtServt, 

Charles H. Hunt, 
Asst U. S. Dist. Atty. 
Lieut. Commanding 
Francis G. Dallas, 
U. S. N. 



D43II 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ UNITED STATES MARSHAL TO COMMODORE BREESE ] 

New York, 20th June, 1859. 
To Commodore Breese, U. S. N. 
Sir, 

Lieut. Dallas has been detained in consequence of the 
non-receipt by me of the Monition against the Bark 
Orion. I expect to receive it this day and will imme- 
diately take charge of the Bark. I cannot legally do it 
before I get the Libel. 

Yours respectfully, 

Isaiah Rynder, 

U. S. Marshal. 



[ receipt by commander rowan ] 

Ordnance Office, 
Navy Yard, New York, 

June 21, 1859. 
Reed from the Prize Barque Orion the following Ord- 
nance Stores, 

1 1 Swords & Scabbards, 
1 1 Pistols, with belts and frogs, 
80 " Ball Cartridges, 
40 Musket " " 

150 " Caps, Percussion. 

S. C. Rowan,^ 
Comdr in chg. ordnance. 
1 Afterward Vice-Admiral, U. S. Navy. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



[ THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO 
LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 

June 24, 1859. 
Sir, 

You are hereby detached from the command of the 
Prize Bark Orion and you will regard yourself as Wait- 
ing Orders. j ^^^ respectfully, 

Lieutenant Your Obdt Servt, 

Francis G. Dallas, ISAAC TOUCEY. 

U. S. Navy, 
New York. 



[ THE CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF PROVISIONS AND 
CLOTHING TO LIEUTENANT DALLAS ] 

Navy Department, 
Bureau of Provisions and Clothing, 

July 9, 1859. 
Sir: 

Your letter of the 8th instant, forwarding the receipt 
of the Inspector in Charge at the Brooklyn Yard for 
stores brought home in the prize Barque, Orion, has 
been received. 

I am, Sir, very respectfully 

Your Obedt Servt, 
Lieut. Francis G. Dallas, H. BRIDGE, 

U. S. Navy, Chf. of Bureau. 

Navy Yard, New York. 



THE JOURNAL OF 
FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 




^^ .^:i^^^^c^ ^:5^^L_^^<^^ J^/Cj0^^t^^^ 




THE JOURNx^L OF 
FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



Private Journal, Coranienced*May 23rd, 1849, 
New York City. 



i came on from Boston in order to ascertain when 
E. R. Collins & Co.'s ships woi'.ld be ready for sea ; upon 
my arrival here I found there would be a delay of some 
months in the fitting out of the ships, also that it would 
be necessary >£^u- m^:. to R5''"':U 'U Sc :rif^in-"nf,ibe Na\^' 
xcg-Armi%h:Jtf^hh^. §A^i:\^c^Si^iJF^P^^th Mr. 
Collins and found that it would be requisite for me to 
remain in New York for somr Jays. I have taken rooms 
with Messrs. Otis and Orda> 

May 23rd, 1849. This day I received an offer from 
Baron Roenne, Minister Plenipotentiary from the Cen- 
tral Power of Germany to rlic United States, to the fol- 
lowing effect, viz. : That if I would go out in the Ger- 
man Frigate United States' and upon my arrival in 



^ "The steam frigate Unit; 
German Empire. lies off the 
war," Boston Daily A< • 
New Vck Courier. Ir 

. n New York for n 
•I ':;• >!,v;H'r " ' 
:-\.;ir. i": 

nited States neutrality ia-vs 
•1 the ouf vard pass."."' 

In the Boston Shu 
at Liverpool on 
tain Palmer, froi 



, now under the colors of the 
(nd is a most sightly vessel of 
V 24, 1849, Quoting from the 

. .ay that the United St;af'"- '■'^^■^'- 

icket and made two or th 



: tiiat she would not engage m hostiiitjes 

. , July 4, 1849, is announced flu 

■e German steamer United State.-, Cujj 



CH9] 



cfkdt Sa^e of the 2)allad ^outnal 



THE JOURNAL OF 
FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 



Private Journal, Commenced May 23rd, 1849, 
New York City. 

I came on from Boston in order to ascertain when 
E. R. Collins & Co.'s ships would be ready for sea ; upon 
my arrival here I found there would be a delay of some 
months in the fitting out of the ships, also that it would 
be necessary for me to consult the Secretary of the Navy 
regarding the ratification of my engagement with Mr. 
Collins and found that it would be requisite for me to 
remain in New York for some days. I have taken rooms 
with Messrs. Otis and Ordas. 

May 23rd, 1849. This day I received an offer from 
Baron Roenne, Minister Plenipotentiary from the Cen- 
tral Power of Germany to the United States, to the fol- 
lowing effect, viz. : That if I would go out in the Ger- 
man Frigate United States^ and upon my arrival in 

^ "The steam frigate United States, now under the colors of the 
German Empire, lies off the Battery and is a most sightly vessel of 
war." Boston Daily Advertiser, May 24, 1849, quoting from the 
New York Courier. It goes on to say that the United States was 
built in New York for a Havre packet and made two or three trips. 
The upper deck was removed and she was otherwise fitted for a man- 
of-war. Bonds were given by Baron von Roenne, in conformity with 
United States neutrality laws, that she would not engage in hostilities 
on the outward passage. 

In the Boston Shipping List, July 4. 1849, is announced the arrival 
at Liverpool on June 16 of the German steamer United States, Cap- 
tain Palmer, from New York. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Bremerhaven offer my services in the German Navy 
that I should receive as compensation a Commission as 
I St Leiut. in that service (Provided they required of- 
ficers) and in the meantime I was to be paid at the rate 
of $75.00 for three months and have a free passage from 
New York to Germany and home again and was to em- 
ploy myself in assisting to Drill and discipline the crew. 
This was so desirable that I at once accepted it and left 
the next day for Boston returning the same day to New 
York. While in Boston for a few hours I paid my debts 
by a draft upon my agents, said goodbye to all my fam- 
ily and friends and arrived in New York 36 hours after 
having arranged all matters in Boston. 

May 25th. I arrived this morning from Boston and 
find that the ship I am going in will not sail until next 
week. 

May 30th, 1849. After delays we got under weigh 
and stood down the harbour, but coming on to be hazy 
weather we have anchored off Staten Island. I find this 
ship to be fully equipped as a Steam Frigate. There 
are on board under the same agreement as myself, ist 
Capt. Howard of the Revenue Service, Mr. Stiles and 
Stevenson of the Navy (formerly) and an ex-acting 
Purser, Mr. Isaacs. The Firemen have been very in- 
solent, in fact almost mutinous, demanding all sorts of 
privileges; indeed all the Engineer Department are. 
The German Commissioner, Prof. Wedding, is a pas- 
senger on board. The Ship has a Merchant Captain 
and two Mates to take her out. 

At Sea, June ist, 1849. We have had a very exciting 
time — first, the renewed trouble with the Engineer De- 
partment and lastly this morning our Steamship was 
run ashore upon the South Nantucket shoals and there 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

we lay for six hours thumping pretty heavily; we have 
thrown overboard about lOO tons of coal, we have stove 
one of our boats, another boat was first stove and then 
crushed under the Port wheel. The cause of the boats 
being stove was the attempt to transport one of the 
Bower anchors by the Fore Yard and purchases, one of 
which parting, the anchor went overboard staving the 
boat in its course and resulting in its loss. The Engines 
having been worked in all ways without success, the 
Ship in the meantime thumping very heavily, the Guns 
were shifted amidships from aft, Coal thrown over- 
board, and finally by the change of tide and her being 
lightened she has got ofT. 

June 4th. We are steaming across the Southern edge 
of the banks of Newfoundland in a thick Fog, occasion- 
ally passing fishing boats; we must be somewhere in the 
vicinity of Iceberghs as the Weather is very chilly in- 
deed. We average about 240 miles per day without 
pressing the ship at all. She is a very fine ship indeed, 
well found throughout, more particularly in Mess stores 
such as Wines of all kinds and Liquors for Cabin and 
Wardroom use. I have charge of the ist Division of 
Guns, viz: Two lo-Inch Guns, Long ones working upon 
rails, and four 8-Inch Guns working in Battery. I have 
been employed exercising the Men at them. There has 
been nothing occurring other than the usual life on 
board of a ship about half Man of War and the other 
half of her a Merchant Ship, adding to this making 
myself generally familiar with the Ship. 

June loth. At Sea. It really seems as if one accident 
occurs directly after another; on the 5th we were 
obliged to stop the engines and to raise the starboard 
cylinder head to get Sand out of some of the pipes lead- 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

ing to it ; in one was found a stick of wood. On the night 
of the 7th the ship rolling heavily carried away one of 
the Port Quarter Boats, davits and all ; thus in a week's 
time we have lost two Boats and stove a third. The 8th, 
through carelessness, I presume, one of the Boilers was 
burnt through, thus depriving the Ship of one of her 
four Boilers. Evidently something wrong in the Engi- 
neer Department. Again on this day the Engines were 
again stopped for repairs. Yesterday, the 9th, some 
four feet of water was reported in the Ship and the 
pumps attached to the Engine were out of order and 
when the causes were investigated, it seems that the En- 
gineer had allowed the Ship to go 30 hours without 
pumping her out. Of course as soon as discovered the 
trouble was removed after some hours hard pumping. 
If we get over to Southampton safely the Engineer De- 
partment [will] have to be reorganized. This day, the 
loth, the Sea has gone down and the Weather is milder. 
Last Night, it being Saturday, the good old standing 
Toast of sweethearts and Wives was drank in Punch 
made of champaigne and Jamaica Rum ; very nice, this. 
I had neither Wife nor sweetheart to drink to — rather 
unusual for a sailor. I have never in all my going to 
Sea lived so comfortably as on Board this Steamship 
and from present appearances I am inclined to think 
that I shall find it very desirable to enter the German 
Navy. I have commenced acquiring German, slowly 
'tis true, but one must learn to crawl before one runs. 

June nth, Monday. Yesterday afternoon the engines 
were again stopped for some three hours on account of 
one of the Bilge pumps being out of order, carelessness 
of the Engineers without doubt. About 10 o'clock, as 
if to keep up a continuance of annoyance and excite- 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

ment, the alarm of Fire was given. This at all times a 
fearful cry at sea but more especially in a Steamship of 
War having an immense amount of Powder on board, 
in short having a Mine of Poivder at each end of her; 
a single spark coming in contact with either would pro- 
duce instant death. The pumps were at once rigged 
and put in motion, sentries placed over the Engine 
Room, and in a few moments the Fire was quenched. 
It seems that some canvass had been wrapped around 
the smoke pipe and had caught fire. Although no dam- 
age was done still there might have been serious, very 
serious. Again as if to continue the excitement, this 
morning another of the Boilers was nearly burnt 
through — cursed carelessness. 

June 14th. Our chapter of accidents is at last closed I 
hope. We made the coast of Ireland about to o'clk this 
morning, and our destination has changed from South- 
ampton to Liverpool ; the reasons for this change are the 
chance that the Danish Government may have received 
intimation of our sailing and destination and may have 
sent cruisers to look for us in the English Channel. 
Now as we require repairs and docking we can run into 
Liverpool without danger of being molested and when 
ready can sail for Bremen. I have written letters to 
Robert, to Mary, to Messrs. Rice and West, also to 
Aunt Emily Boerum, which I shall send by the ist 
steamer. 

Liverpool Harbour, June 17th, 1849. Upon our ar- 
rival here yesterday we found the steamer ready to sail 
for Boston and I sent my letters by her; she sailed about 
3 o'clock. Professor Wedding communicated by tele- 
graph with the Prussian Consul General and found that 
his despatches were ready for him at Cowes in charge of 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Two German Officers. I went on shore yesterday, took 
a long ride and a general view of the city and environs; 
it was a good day (being Sunday) to see the people. I 
was very forcibly struck with the very large feet of the 
females, in fact I did not see one who had a pretty foot. 
The country houses were very neat and gave one some 
idea of English comfort, but upon the whole I would 
not for any consideration become a resident here. 

June 19th, 1849. Captain Howard has taken charge 
of the ship. Stiles is ist Lieut and I am 2nd. I have 
met here a previous acquaintance, Mr. Edmund Ward 
a merchant of Liverpool; he has been very civil, intro- 
ducing me to several clubs, the Cricket Club among 
others. 

June 20th. Captain Palmer has left for the United 
States. The ship was docked this day and we found the 
only injury she has sustained being in her copper hav- 
ing been torn off in several places. 

June 25th. The ship is out of dock and at anchor of¥ 
Birkenhead ferry near the anchorage of the Halifax 
steamers. I have written home, also to several friends. 
Through my friend Ward has made my time pass very 
pleasantly in various ways. The ship will be detained 
here several weeks on account of repairs required upon 
her boilers et cetera. 

June 28th. I have written to my old Aunt Sarah 
Taylor and have received an answer from her; she 
seems in doubt as to my identity and wishes to know 
about the duel in which I was engaged. I have again 
written her giving her full account of the whole afifair 
and in rather a peremptory manner for I confess I felt 
much hurt at the tone of her letter to me. 

June 30th. I have again heard from Aunt Sarah and 
she has enclosed me money to pay my expenses in visit- 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

ing her and she has written me in a very cordial man- 
ner. Mr. Ward has gone to London and I shall meet 
him there. 

July 5th. I have been to London, that great, that im- 
mense city. I admit I have found it far grander than I 
had supposed and found it shear folly to attempt to see 
London and its environs in anything less than a month. 
I arrived in London one evening and the next morning 
went down by Rail Road to Kingston, about 15 miles 
from London. I found Aunt Sarah's house without dif- 
ficulty and also found her delighted to see me; she lived 
in quiet but comfortable style and is a fine specimen of 
an Old English Lady. As a matter of course we had an 
immense deal to talk about, and in the conversation that 
occurred I found a great many points of character to 
admire and respect in the old Lady. While paying her 
a visit I went to Hampton Palace and there found a fine 
collection of paintings of some of the old Masters also 
a fine park and a species of wild forest which forms a 
very good imitation. 

August loth. The last five weeks has been passed in 
and about Liverpool without real pleasure or satisfac- 
tion, but with a great outlay of money. After my return 
from London I found a new Commander sent to the 
Ship from Germany, a person who had been in the Dan- 
ish Navy, Capt. Howard having gone to Frankfort. 
After some consultation between us officers we con- 
cluded to serve on board for the present under his Com- 
mand. However, a week had not passed before Mr. 
Stiles, Gourlie and Babcock left the ship, leaving Purser 
Isaacs, Stevenson and myself and several German ofii- 
cers who have been sent to join the Ship. This did not 
last long, for the latter part of July Mr. Kerst, Secretary 
General and Commissioner of Marine, arrived and after 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

an interview with him at which he ofifered me only a 
Commission as a Leiut. of the Second Class in the Ger- 
man Navy and which I then declined, as I had been 
promised by Baron Roenne Leiutenancy of the ist 
Class, I left the ship and went on shore to live in Liver- 
pool. After some ten days there, during this time it 
having been represented to me that the position of a 
Leiut. of the Second Class was such as I could accept, I 
informed the Secretary that I would accept his offer, 
which upon his renewal of it I did accept and I am 
therefore now a Leiut. in the German Navy and at- 
tached to the Steam Frigate United States, or Hansa, as 
she is now called. I have received only one letter from 
home but this one told me that all were well and was 
but 12 days old when it reached me. I do not think I 
shall find the German Naval service one in which I can 
remain any length of time ; however, I intend to give it 
a fair trial. We shall sail in a few days for Bremen, 
when I shall be able to form some definite conclusions 
to regulate my future movements. 

Bremerhaven, August i8th. We anchored off this 
place after a fine run of four days without any unusual 
matters occurring. We found the Squadron at anchor 
in the mouth of the Weser consisting of three steamers, 
one of which carried the Commodore's Flag. We stood 
up in Company for Bremerhaven; much to my surprise 
I found that this ship was by far the fastest of the squad- 
ron. I was in hopes to find some letters awaiting me, 
but did not. The St. Lawrence ^ has been here, but is 
now cruising in the North Sea. 

* The U. S. frigate St. Lawrence, Captain Paulding, made a cruise 
in 1849 to the Baltic Sea from the Mediterranean, where she was 
regularly stationed. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Septbr 3rd, 1849. I have now been here more than 
two weeks and can form some Idea of what my service 
will be here. A few days since I received a Commis- 
sion from Frankfort as a Leiutenant in the German 
Naval Service; true, the pay is but small, but I stand a 
fair chance of early advancement. I stand now the 
fourth on the Naval list of Leiutenants second class and 
two of the three above me will not stand in my way. 
The principle objection I have to this Service as it is 
now organized is the fact of a great many men from the 
Merchant Service being placed in it and in a majority 
of cases they are utterly unfit for Naval officers. If I 
were to go into details I could write for hours upon this 
head. 

September 20th, 1849. The last two or three wxeks 
has been passed in various ways. The arrival of the St. 
Lawrence on the 4th has been a pleasant thing from the 
fact of my having several old Shipmates on board of 
her, and each time I have been on board old associations 
have crowded upon me, some pleasant and others un- 
pleasant. I have been twice to Bremen and from going 
up in company with our Surgeon who has several young 
lady cousins living there, I have enjoyed myself. The 
Steamboat carries one up in five hours on the River 
Weser; one peculiarity in the face of the Country which 
strikes a stranger is its flatness. I went into the cele- 
brated wine cellar where wine of all vintages from the 
last two centuries is deposited. Of course I drank some 
of different kinds; there is a fine Hotel in Bremen, but 
notwithstanding the boasted cheapness of Germany, I 
find money goes here fast enough. I am learning Ger- 
man and find I make fair progress. 

October ist, 1849. I have been fortunate enough to 

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receive letters from Mary and Caroline up to August 
1 8th and one from Robert to Sept. ist. All were well 
at home. I have been again to Bremen and again passed 
a pleasant time, finding ladies with whom I could con- 
verse in French with. The St. Lawrence is still here. 
Everything in the political horizon of Germany indi- 
cates change ; how this may affect the German Navy and 
through the latter myself, remains to be seen. We have 
been engaged in fitting ship for sea; our destination is 
uncertain as yet. I have had an opportunity of seeing 
a German Country fair, a fine place for observing Na- 
tional and prominent points of character. 

October 12th. My life here is a perfect illustration 
of uncertainty. Within the last 12 days a Corvette Cap- 
tain has been dismissed without trial, our own Captain 
— a Post Captain — placed on half pay without his will 
or consent; so that fortunately for me I am young and 
have a Capital of health to go upon, so that if I do not 
advance in this service fast enough I can try elsewhere 
for employment. The arrival three days since of the 
steamer Washington without my receiving any letters 
was a great disappointment. I went up to Brake a few 
days since to see Captain Howard. Our new Com- 
mander is a Leiut. ist Class, a Belgian. I hear a good 
character of him. 

October 26th. I have been laid up for a few days, 
but I am now getting better and hope to be about in two 
or three days. Our new Commander I am inclined to 
like. I have been associated with him for four or five 
days as the executive officer, in which capacity I think 
an officer has the best chance to judge fairly of a Com- 
mander. I think it very probable that I shall be sent to 
some other ship, as the Commodore will come to this 

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ship and he will have his favorites with him, and I have 
reason to suppose I am not among the number. I have 
been disappointed in not hearing from home. What a 
strange life is that of a Naval officer, fated to be thrown 
with all nations and to pass the best part of his life from 
home, family, and early associations. 

November 17th, 1849. The last three wrecks I have 
been nearly half of the time unwell; however, the time 
has not been thrown away, as I have learnt some Ger- 
man. I have again been disappointed in not receiving 
letters from home. The last steamer untill Spring has 
arrived and again sailed for New York; however, no 
news is Good news. I am now in daily expectation of 
receiving orders to some other ship; uncomfortable to 
change when I have had all the hard duty to perform 
and now that the ship is in good order, some one else 
will enjoy her. I find that by caution and careful atten- 
tion to duty that I shall get along well, altho' I do not 
think it at all likely that I shall find it to my interest to 
remain any length of time in the German Navy. I 
should like to get the command of a ship before I leave 
this part of the world. Strange but true, I was glad 
when the St. Lawrence left, for she formed a silent but 
forcible parody upon the most of the German Navy. 

On board of the Reichs Dampf-Corvette Konigliche 
Ernst August, Jan. 9th, 1850. In the [past] six or seven 
weeks I have been in the first three weeks ist Leuit. of 
the Hansa and in the last four I have been the ist Leuit. 
and Leuit. Com'ding of this ship; she is a fine new 
steamer Built in England expressly for a Man of War 
and is really a fine ship. I have had an immense deal of 
duty to perform in this time, but for that I care not. 
Were it not for one thing my advancement and promo- 

[■59^ 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

tion in this service would be rapid and certain; the rea- 
son is that a number of Belgians have succeeded by 
influence at court in entering the service right over my 
head as Leiuts. ist Class. Were they Officers from a 
regular Navy or who had seen more service than I, it 
would be very different indeed ; this is with me the only 
cause of complaint, but this is a very serious one. I 
stand at present well with the Admiral and if I have 
patience enough I must advance. I have thus far suc- 
ceeded admirably in learning German as also in carry- 
ing on my duty and I think I am rather a favorite with 
the Germans. I have been employed on board of this 
ship in making improvements and alterations and think 
I shall succeed in making her a man of war. ... I have 
heard that in the Spring I shall have the command of 
one of the new ships but what truth to place in this re- 
port I do not now know; if I should have, it would be a 
very pretty thing for me at my age. I have found my 
Naval knowledge of immense benefit to me in this Ser- 
vice. 

K. Dampf-Corvette Ernst August, off Blexen, April 
15th, 1850. I have delayed from time to time writing 
in my private journal for various reasons. I remained 
in Command of this ship until the middle of January, 
when my health being somewhat affected by the climate, 
I took leave of absence for a month. I went first to 
Bremen then to Hanover and Braunschweig. I found 
I had chosen the worst possible time for travelling in 
Germany, the weather so cold and disagreeable that all 
pleasure was destroyed. The face of the Country shew 
evidence of a high state of cultivation, at the same time 
that same exhaustion ever found in the greater part of 
Europe. At Braunschweig I found a fine armory with 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

immense stores consisting of the munitions of war be- 
longing to the Duke of Braunschweig, also a fine palace. 
My health not being good I returned to Bremen and 
putting up at the Hotel Lindenhoff placed myself under 
the charge of a physician for the treatment of a cuta- 
neous disease I have suffered from. My month passed 
slowly employed in learning some German. My stay in 
Bremen I found most expensive to me. 

I returned to my ship on the 20th February, just in 
time to have my hands full in fitting and mailing the 
ship ready to go into the River from winter quarters. I 
had a very short crew and much work. We went into 
the Stream on the 6th and a few days after were ordered 
round to the Elbe to carry some members of the Com- 
mission (from Frankfurt) who were making a tour of 
inspection. Fortunately my ship was in good order. 
We remained at Gliickstadt several days, where I re- 
ceived much attention from the inhabitants. Upon our 
return to the Weser, we took the Admiral up to Brake 
and the next day returned and took up our anchorage 
off Blexen, one of the most stupid places it was ever my 
fortune to anchor at. I have found employment enough 
in my duties as first Leiut. I have written home . . . 
by the Washington which sails the 15th. Capt. Howard 
and Wife return in her, Capt. H. perfectly and entirely 
disgusted with his experience; he made a great mistake 
in accepting a commission for one year, whereas I took 
a commission without limit except the duration of the 
German Navy. I think my progress must be rapid if I 
have patience enough to wait and at the same time put 
up with the annoyances I meet with. I have protested 
against the jumping me by the Belgians and notified the 
Admiral that if I am not placed upon the same footing 

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with these Belgians, I shall resign the service; the Ad- 
miral promised me my promotion, but I do not place 
faith in his promises. 

Reichs Dampf-Corvette Hamburg, Vor Blexen, July 
24th, 1850. It is now more than three months since I 
have written in my private Journal. Many things have 
passed in this time. During the months of April, May, 
and June I was busily employed in drilling and dis- 
ciplining the [crew]. I made very satisfactory progress, 
having learnt so much German as to enable me to carry 
on my duties entirely in German. In May we went to 
the Elbe, taking the Admiral with us; we remained 5 
days, coaled and watered ship. Part of June we lay off 
the Geeste having Carpenters on Board altering the 
Gun Ports aft. 

I have been in this time to Bremen twice or three 
times. Once to have my Daguerreotype taken; this I 
sent to Mary. I have heard from home, all well, noth- 
ing new. I have also heard from Aunt Sarah Taylor; 
she was well. On the 4th of July I took Command of 
this ship, so that I am in less than a year's time the Com- 
mander of a Corvette, which is a very fine position for 
a young man not 26 years of age. I found my ship in 
good order as far as regards cleanliness, but I also found 
it necessary to make a good many alterations in the 
internal police and internal rules and regulations of the 
ship. These I have not and will not do all at once, but 
will from day to day make little alterations. The first 
thing I have done was to stop the constant Drumming 
introduced by the Belgians and to substitute the Pipe 
for the Drum, using the Drum only for quarters. The 
Admiral has been twice on Board to make inspection 
and has found no fault, so he is satisfied. I find it a 

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much pleasanter duty to command a ship than to be the 
ist Leiut. of one. My greatest pleasure in my advance- 
ment is the fact of being able to show my friends at 
home what I can do. . . . 

Corvette Hamburg, August 20th, 1850. In the last 
month I have had more time for pleasure and amuse- 
ment than any time previous since I have been in Ger- 
many. I have become acquainted with my ship, officers 
and crew. I find very little difficulty in commanding a 
ship, finding it much easier to command than to be the 
first Leiutenant of a ship. I have already received an 
answer to the letters I sent home on the 9th of last month 
(July) ; all are well. Robert is promoted to be a 
Leiutenant after 13 years service. ... I have written 
this month letters to Uncle DeRussy, Cousin Emily De 
Russy, to Emily, Robert, James and Mary. . . . Dur- 
ing the time the New York Mail steamship Washington 
was here this month, I have passed many pleasant hours. 
All Americans appear to take pride in my rapid ad- 
vancement. The St. Lawrence Frigate will probably 
arrive here this month. I shall then meet my old Com- 
panions as a Commander while they are only Passed 
Mdn. I am ordered to be the member of a Court Mar- 
tial second in seniority. Things are still in the same 
unsettled state. Matters are settled between Denmark 
and Germany, but war exists between Denmark and 
Schleswig-Holstein. It is impossible to state definitely 
what course events will take; if the German [Navy] 
continues and my life is spared I shall continue to ad- 
vance rapidly. I am upon much better terms with the 
Admiral than formerly. My progress in the German 
language has been most rapid. 

German Corvette Hamburg, in Haven Brake, Duke- 

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dom of Oldenburg, Novbr. 23rd, 1850. During the last 
three months my life has been without change. I have 
managed to get my ship in excellent order and disci- 
pline, particularly when considering the greater diffi- 
culty which always exists when a ship remains so much 
at anchor. In September I made a trial trip with my 
ship, running her under steam some 10 hours. I was 
well satisfied with the working of her Engines. The 
Frigate St. Lawrence arrived on the 28th of August and 
sailed for Boston on the 2nd of October. I was much 
on board of her during this time as were also the officers 
of the Frigate with me. I passed many pleasant and 
agreeable hours with them; they all were much grati- 
fied at my rapid advancement. I heard of Robert's 
being ordered to sea in the Sloop of war St. Mary's as 
Leiut. I have made several visits to attend Balls and 
parties in different places, being now sufficiently master 
of German to make myself perfectly understood in so- 
ciety. One of the most pleasant of visits has been to 
Verden in the Kingdom of Hannover where a Regiment 
of Hussars are stationed, with the officers of which I am 
acquainted. I found a fine Band, many fine ladies and 
enjoyed myself much. The 24th of October I brought 
my ship up to Brake and the same evening ran her into 
the haven for Winter quarters, where are at present five 
steam Corvettes and the Frigate Deutschland. The 
ships lay well. I find Brake a most stupid and also a 
place very difficult to pass one's time in and really do 
not know how I shall manage to pass the winter. Po- 
litical matters are most troublesome and unsettled at 
present in German affairs; there is a very strong proba- 
bility of a general European war. My last letters from 
home, all are well, nothing new. I have heard from 
Aunt Sarah, she was well. 

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In Haven Brake, Corvette Hamburg, December 
i6th, 1850. During the last three weeks I have not been 
away from my ship with the exception of once to Bre- 
merhaven; two weeks of this time I have been confined 
to my cabin, but am now nearly well and hope to be out 
in a couple of days. The Frigate Gefion, captured from 
the Danes last year, has arrived at Bremerhaven. When 
well, I shall go down and visit the ship. I have letters 
from home up to Octbr. 27th; all were well no news of 
importance. . . . My life here is at present very mo- 
notonous. The affairs of Germany do not now appear 
so warlike; indeed I think we shall not have peace 
broken. My ship and ship's company give me very lit- 
tle trouble. I have had a new purser ordered to the 
ship. The River is still open and the weather very 
mild. 

Steam Corvette Hamburg, River Weser off Brake, 
G. Dukedom of Oldenburg, April 26th, 1851. The 
weather has been throughout since December most un- 
usual and remarkable for this Latitude. Snow has 
fallen only once, and the River has been entirely clear 
of ice and navigable the whole winter, in short a much 
milder winter than I have ever passed in either New 
York or Boston. I have received at intervals letters 
from home but without any particular news; all were 
well. During the winter I have seen a great deal of 
Germany having visited the Capital of the Kingdom of 
Hannover, also several times the city of Verden, where 
are the head quarters of a Regiment of Hussars in the 
Hannoverian Army. I have become well acquainted 
with the officers, from the Colonel through the Regi- 
ment, and have passed many pleasant hours there, hav- 
ing been kindly received in the House of General 
Wyneken (Division General), General N. Hodenburg 

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( the latter has a very interesting daughter) , also by Colo- 
nel Brauns von Sichert (he has three very beautiful 
daughters), Lt. Col. von Dackenhausen, and Lt. Col. 
Gebser; indeed I have been received with great kind- 
ness. I have also in Bremen made many pleasant ac- 
quaintances. In the month of February I travelled 
through North Germany going first to Hamburg where 
I enjoyed myself, meeting there many Austrians who 
were passing through en route for Schleswig-Holstein. 
From Hamburg I went to the Dukedom of Mecklen- 
burg, then to Prussia, stopping in Berlin for some days; 
while there I was presented to Prince Adalbert, Brother 
of the King of Prussia, to whom I had a letter of intro- 
duction. I made many pleasant acquaintances and en- 
joyed myself; returning I saw the King of Prussia's 
residence at Potsdam, visited Southern Prussia, Duke- 
dom of Braunschweig, Hannover, and returned much 
pleased with my trip and having obtained a much 
clearer and more correct idea of North Germany than 
I ever could have done by reading or by living in a Sea 
Port of North Germany. While in Berlin I met and 
visited our American Minister Mr. Barnard, who re- 
ceived me most politely. I also met a Mr. Potter of 
Philadelphia and his wife in Berlin. All in all con- 
sidered I have had a pleasant winter, having enjoyed 
myself much and at the same time kept my Ship's com- 
pany, officers and men, in good discipline. Early in 
March I assisted as Director in getting up a masked 
Ball in Brake which was very successful. We have had 
through the winter an ameteur Theatre and assembly 
Balls, on a small scale but pleasant. The Admiral has 
been for the last month in Frankfurt endeavoring to 
have some definite settlement for our Navy and at pres- 

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ent we have strong hopes of being able to go to the 
Mediterranean with the Fleet. I have made myself 
master of the German language, so as to be able to read 
and write and speak the same understandingly. If the 
German Navy is established upon a firm footing, then 
I have a fine career before me if my life is spared; how 
seldom is a young man of 26 years of age so fortunate 
as to be a commander at so young an age. 

Corvette Hamburg. In Haven at Brake, Novbr. i ith, 
1 85 1. We remained with this Ship from the ist of 
April untill the 8th of July, when I took the Ship to the 
anchorage off Blexen and owing to the Engines being 
out of repairs sent some parts of it to Ronnebeck. The 
time passed from April until August without any par- 
ticular events worth noting. I passed the 4th of July on 
board of the Washington in the usual American way. 
On the 8th of August I took leave of absence for six 
weeks to go to the sulphur baths at Neundorf, this hav- 
ing been recommended to me by the Physician. I gave 
the command of my Ship to the ist. Leiut. during my 
absence. While at the baths I had a capital opportu- 
nity of speaking German, made many pleasant acquain- 
tances particularly the family of the Director of the 
Bath, Herr Von Heppe, one of whose daughters I was 
much pleased with, passing many agreeable hours in 
giving English lessons. I was made quite a Rara avis 
of, being an American and a Naval Commander; a 
number of my acquaintances among the Hannoverian 
officers visited me during my stay in Neundorf and tak- 
ing all things into consideration I passed my time very 
pleasantly indeed. After leaving Neundorf I went to 
Hannover, visited the King of Hannover, from Han- 
nover I went to Liineburg to pay a visit of a few days 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

to the family of a friend of mine, Lt. von Dapel, and 
returned to my Ship the middle of September. I hope 
to have received benefit from my using the sulphur 
bathing, but I must await patiently the working of the 
same, which does not take effect until some two months 
afterwards. I have been visited by some dozen of the 
King of Hannover's officers from the Garde de Corps, 
Garde Grenadier, Jager Battalion, and also from my 
old acquaintances, the Garde Husaren from Verden. I 
think, had I not made so many agreeable acquaintances 
among the King of Hannover's officers, it would have 
been almost impossible to have stood out against the 
accumulation of ennui, or as the Germans term the 
word, "Langeweile." I have indeed had frequent 
chances to obtain a thorough knowledge of this word. 
In my letters from home I have found nothing of par- 
ticular moment. From our anchorage at Blexen I took 
my ship to her former station at Brake of last winter. I 
had as passengers with me (having invited them some 
days before) Baron v. Bothmer and Lady, the Baron 
having been in the Austrian Service during the Hun- 
garian War and having met, loved, and married his 
Lady, a beautiful Hungarian — quite a romantic affair. 
The Baron distinguished himself greatly during the 
war; they proved most interesting company on the voy- 
age — this was the 8th of October, 1851. I visited the 
Bremen grand fair and was at a large Ball at His excel- 
lency's. General Wyneken's, who has been most kind on 
more occasions than one; after the Bremen Fair I was 
quite unwell. 

January 3rd, 1852. On the 9th of November I wrote 
... to my sister, also again on the 29th of November. 
... I have been confined to my cabin for some seven 

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weeks with swollen groins from severe cold. On the 
30th I went to the Court of Oldenburg with our Admi- 
ral to visit the Grand Duke of Oldenburg, dined at the 
Palace, attended a great Court Ball and in short enjoyed 
myself very much ; we have again New Year's day and 
still no definite settlement of the future fate of the Ger- 
man Navy — it seems to be one of those never[-ending], 
at least apparently interminable, political discussions 
upon which Germans never can come to a united opin- 
ion. One thing about the service is good; I refer to 
their punctuality of payments. 

March 4th, 1852. Since the ist of January there has 
not been much alteration in my usual routine of life. 
I have visited Verden once, and I always find the ac- 
quaintances which I have, most attentive and polite to 
me, therefore enjoy myself much. I have received from 
the American Minister at Berlin and at London, letters 
respecting the prospects of our German Navy. On the 
1 8th of February I went to Oldenburg with the Ad- 
miral by invitation from the Grand Duke of Oldenburg 
to take part in the festivities following the marriage of 
the young Duke of Oldenburg with the Princess of 
Saxe-Altenburg, which event was celebrated in a very 
brilliant manner and afiforded me a capital opportunity 
of forming an opinion relative to the ancienne regime, 
of the manners et cetera of monarchial forms, and the 
manners of one of the German Courts. We dined three 
times with the Grand Duke, attended a Concert at the 
Palace, breakfasted in the young Duke's palace, at- 
tended the Grand State Ball, and in short took part in 
all the festivities of the occasion. We were received 
with great cordiality by Oldenburg Officers and I shall 
improve the first opportunity I have to invite some of 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

them on board of my Ship. My last dates from Home 
are in January; nothing new or important. . . . 

April 19th, 1852. Corvette Hamburg, Brake. Dur- 
ing the last six weeks I have few events to notice. I 
received in March visits from six Oldenburg Officers 
who remained with me two days on board and enjoyed 
the life on board of a Man of War with much zest; I 
took them also to Bremerhaven and we had a large sup- 
per of some 60 persons on board of our ship and a fine 
breakfast on board of another. Our service appears to 
be nearly at an end and I shall either return to the 
United States soon or enter some one of the German 
Services for a short time. A few days since the Prus- 
sians sent a Draft of some two hundred men with their 
Commodore and a number of Officers to take charge of 
two ships belonging to our Squadron viz. the former 
Danish Frigate Gefion captured at Eckernforde in 
April 1849, the other the Steam Frigate Barbarossa. 
This is the commencement of the end of our German 
Navy. I have been recently in Verden, a garrisoned 
town of Hannover; with many of the Officers I am well 
acquainted — they generally expressed themselves much 
disappointed at the result of our German attempt at a 
Navy and at its probable most lamentable end, in which 
feeling I could of course most cordially join. I have 
been received most friendly and hospitably by the Offi- 
cers of the Hannover Army in General and trust in 
coming years to have a better opportunity of being able 
to return their many kind civilities shown towards me. 
I have written this day a letter to my Sister Emily and 
sent the same by the Barque Rastedt, Capt. Laur. 

May 2nd. Brake, Corvette Hamburg. The end of 
the German Navy was very much nearer than I had 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

anticipated. On the 30th of April I discharged all 
hands excepting two Firemen, 8 Seamen, two Petty 
officers, two Officers, Purser, two Engineers. It will 
not I think be very long before we shall all go. I have 
not as yet made up my mind if I shall return to the 
United States directly or if I shall try the Prussian 
Navy. 

May nth, 1852. We are in daily expectation of re- 
ceiving our discharge with two years' pay or of receiving 
half pay in the form of pension ; for my own part I hope 
we shall soon have a decision, then I shall know what 
to do. 

Corvette Hamburg, Brake, June 30th, 1852. As yet 
no decision regarding the disposition of the ships com- 
posing the German Navy, and still less any definite pro- 
posals for settling with the remaining Officers; it may 
go well, but I am much inclined to think the German 
Government will behave shabbily to the few foreigners 
still in their Service. The time hangs heavily, and for 
my own part I shall be well pleased when the afifair is at 
an end. . . . 

Sept. loth, 1852. The German Navy drags its slow 
length along and appears determined to die hard; on 
the I St of this month all the passed Midshipmen were 
discharged with one year's half pay. The Frigate 
Deutschland has been sold. I have been again at the 
Sulphur baths at Neundorf and have derived much 
benefit from them. The Frigate Gefion, the one cap- 
tured from the Danes, and the Steam Frigate Barba- 
rossa have been given over to the Prussian Government. 
I have been offered the opportunity to enter the 
Prussian Service, but I have had enough of German 
Governments; my ship is still in excellent order and 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Discipline. I have superintended a thorough overhaul- 
ing and repair of her Engines. 

Decbr. 12th. Bremerhaven, River Weser, 1852. Yes- 
terday the Corvette of War Hamburg was delivered by 
me to an English Company by order of the German 
Diet, in connection with the five steam Corvettes be- 
longing to the German Navy. I sent my crew with 
their bags and hammocks on shore to the Dock, keeping 
on board the Boatswain and my steward until ready to 
haul the German Flag down, which I ordered done and 
delivered the ship over to the High Commissioner of 
the German Diet; received my receipt for the ship and 
all connected with [her] and left with the Boatswain 
[and] Steward. My Gig's crew were waiting for me; 
the same evening the men were paid ofif and discharged. 
I, in obedience to orders from the Admiral, went to 
Bremerhaven to arrange the accounts and papers con- 
nected with my command. I have already sent my ap- 
plication through the American Minister at Berlin to 
Frankfurt for a pension or for a compensation and he 
has in a most favorable and kind manner urged my 
claim, I hope eventually successfully. 

Decbr. 31st, 1852. The last day of the year, at Sea in 
the North Sea on board of the Steamship Herrmann 
commanded by my friend Captain Higgins (American 
Navy). We sailed this morning for Southampton. I 
have arranged all matters with the German Navy and 
leave with one year's furlough pay in advance; my fu- 
ture compensation remains to be determined. I have 
good certificates from the Admiral and have the satis- 
faction to know that I have served nearly four years in 
a foreign service with credit to myself — more than three 
years in command of a Corvette. I have had many 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

pleasant hours and have learnt a new language and now 
go once more into the world to seek my fortune with 
health and a stout heart. 

Steamship Herrmann, Jany 5th, 1853. ^^ arrived 
in Southampton Monday the 3rd and having taken our 
cargo and passengers, have again commenced our voy- 
age to New York. I have been up to Kingston and vis- 
ited Aunt Sarah and have returned delighted with my 
visit; she received me with much kindliness and friend- 
ship and I feel confident that I have in her a warm and 
sincere friend. I made the acquaintance of Mr. Mc- 
Crosky, the American Consul at Southampton, and 
through him was invited to dine with the Mayor of the 
City on the occasion of the return of her Majesty's At- 
torney General to parliament. Sir Alex. Cockburn, he 
being a guest, and I was called upon to make two 
speeches in response to toasts given complimentary to 
America and Americans. 

Jan. 7th. Today after a heavy SW wind, about 10 
o'clock in the morning, between Start Point and Eddy- 
stone Lighthouse, Start point bearing from the ship 
N N E, Dist. 27 miles, we shipped a heavy sea, or rather 
the crest of a sea, which crushed our Forecastle deck 
and also four Carlines down to the berth deck. In con- 
sequence the ship's head was put about and we are run- 
ning for Southampton. I find navigation in the Eng- 
lish Channel most difficult. 

Jan. 8th. This morning, after laying off the Needles 
light all night without obtaining a pilot, we find our- 
selves under the lee of the Isle of Wight in 9 fathoms of 
water, blowino^ heavv, so much so that we must run 
round the Island into and through St. Helens roads 
with a St. Helens pilot. Off comes a pilot, boarded us 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

without our anchoring, and we are now off Southamp- 
ton awaiting the flood tide in order to be docked. 

Jany 9th, 1853. Last evening we were docked and the 
carpenters are on board repairing the damages sustained 
in the Channel. 

Jan. nth. We left dock this morning and have an- 
chored in Cowes roads, as it is blowing a gale of wind 
from the Wd. There are nearly a hundred sail of ships 
laying at anchor windbound. 

Jan. 13th. We left again for New York, taking our 
departure from the Needles at 11 o'clock, bore N E 
distant 9 miles. We have westerly winds with some 
considerable head sea, everything down on deck, top- 
hamper and all, only lower masts with spencer. Jib and 
Staysails bent. 

Jan. 14th. . . . Distance run, 185 miles. We have 
had some head seas to contend against and a head wind ; 
this ship is a good seaboat. I am well content on board. 
Capt. Higgins very kind. Few passengers on board and 
still fewer of interest. 

Jan. 15th. . . . Distance ran 133 miles; head winds 
and head sea, ship deeply loaded and obliged to carry a 
light head of steam. I have observed and worked out 
the reckoning. I forgot to mention that at a meeting of 
the Passengers I was appointed chairman and I drew up 
an address, expressive of our thanks to and confidence 
in Captain Higgins during a severe gale of wind, that I 
sent to the New York Herald to be published. 

Jan. 1 6th. . . . Distance 120 miles. . . . Head winds 
from Wd. and head sea; light head of steam. 

Jan. 17th. Lat. obs. 47° 04'. Long. D. R. 13° 26' W. 
Dist. 104 miles. Head winds and heavy sea ; ship makes 
better weather, lightened by burning coals; some of the 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

cargo from the Second Cabin (the 2nd Class passengers 
are all aft in the ist Saloon owing to the great amount 
of cargo) stowed below on the coal or rather in the coal 
bunker that is empty. N. York bears S 81° W. Dis- 
tance 2636 miles. 

Jan. i8th, 1853. . . . Distance run, 184 miles. . . . 
Rather better weather, less sea, head wind ; watched 
trim of ship by shifting ballast (iron) on the guards and 
water casks in gangways, shifted Firemen from berth 
deck to forward smoking room, sent some cargo from 
2nd Cabin to the Firemen's quarters, ship makes better 
weather of it. 

Jan. 19th. . . . Distance run 180 miles. . . . Part 
of these 24 hours good weather with head wind; last 
10 hours gales from the Wd. and heavy head sea, ship 
more lively; prospects of a long passage. Sent more 
cargo below in the coal bunkers; great attention paid to 
trim of ship. 

Jan. 20th. . . . Distance 138 miles. . . . Head winds 
and first 15 hours very heavy head sea. Bill of fare re- 
duced in Saloon; allowance shortened with ship's com- 
pany. 8 P.M. Mer. obs. of Moon, Lat. 46° 42' N; 
remarked a luminous ring of about 30 degrees in diam- 
eter about the moon. At noon westerly wind and pleas- 
ant weather, head sea not so heavy. 

Jan. 2ist, 1853. . . . Distance 187 miles. . . . Heavy 
sea, wind from Wd. fresh, weather good. 

Jan. 22nd. . . . Distance run, 202 miles. . . . Sea 
not so rough, weather thick with wind WSW. 

Jan. 23rd. . . . Distance 185 miles. . . . Sea from 
Sd. & Wd. fresh winds first part, last part heavy sea. 

Jan. 24th. Lat. obs. 44° 43'. Long. C. 44° 05' W. 
Distance run, 178 miles. N. York 79° W. Distant 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

1344 miles. Westerly winds and sea from the Sd, & 
Wd. wind fresh; made sail for a few hours for the first 
time. 

Jan. 25th. . . . Distance run, 200 miles. . . . Fresh 
winds from the Wd. last part thick weather; at 11 
o'clock made the eastern edge of the banks. 

Jan. 26th. . . . Distance run 190 miles. Sounded at 
5 A.M. in 28 fathoms, bottom white sand; foggy 
weather, wind from Sd. & Wd., heavy sea from SSW. 
. . . Cold weather; air 30°, Water 40°. 

Jan'ry 27th. . . . Distance run per log, 200 miles. 
. . . Strong NW Wind with snow, foggy; got mer. 
alt. of moon, put us 6 miles to the Southward of our 
reckoning by acct. 

Jan. 28th. . . . Dist. run per log, 200 miles. NNW 
wind light, little sea, colder, on the edge of the stream 
(Gulf). Temp, water 50°, air 30°. Overran log last 
two days 50 miles, showing a counter current to the Gulf 
stream of little over a knot an hour. 

Jan. 29th. . . . Dist. per log, 240, per obs. 257 miles. 
Sandy Hook Bears at 87° 4' W. Dist. 272 miles. 
Smooth sea, light westerly winds; exchanged signals 
with a large steamer bound east, current Sd. and Wd. 
18 miles; ship's trim by the stern 18 inches as a general 
thing; foreyard slide and gunter on a trysail mast now 
carried, except with fair winds; all other top hamper 
down. Cargo shifted below as fast as coal is burnt out, 
great attention paid to trim of ship. 

Jan. 29th. Example to find the Longitude by an 
observation of the sun at setting with a spy glass. 

Note the time by chronometer of sun's setting, ist 
lower limb, 2nd upper limb (when using a watch take 
a comparison of watch and Chron. to find Chron's 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

face). In getting lower limb, subtract-21' from the sum 
of R. Dis. and Lat., and add +21' to the half sum for 
the remainder. For the upper Limb subtract -53' from 
the sum and add +53' to the half sum. 

Jan. 30th. No obs. At 12 mer. running along Long 
Island. . . . At y2 past seven took a Pilot on board, 
Sandy Hook distant 97 miles. Distance run per log, 
205 miles. 

Jan. 30th. ... At 5.30 passed the bar and running 
by Sandy Hook light house; owing to the state of the 
tide had to slow the engines. At 10.30 P.M. made fast 
to Pier No. 3, North River. At last, after nearly four 
years absence, I return to the United States having 
gained promotion, command and some credit, in a for- 
eign Service, learnt a new language and become four 
years older; that is, my life is shortened four years. At 
1 1 P.M. went on shore to the City Hotel, where I used 
to stop, but found the Hotel pulled down and stores 
built up in its place. Returned to the Herrmann and 
passed the night, for the moment finding myself a 
stranger in my own native land. 

Febr. ist, Bixby's Hotel, New York City. Took 
lodgings here with my friend Dr. Thomson, Surgeon of 
the Herrmann, Wrote Robert and Mary. 

Febr. 14th. Left this morning for Washington. The 
last two weeks I have passed in New York renewing old 
acquaintances and associations, so far as the changes of 
the time admitted. Found Aunt Boerum and cousin 
Sarah Wetmore living in Waverly Place, have seen 
cousin Adolphus De Russy; all well. Reed, letters 
from Robert, Mary & James; all well. 

Febr. i6th, Washington, Willard's Hotel. Arrived 
this morning, stopped over night in Philadelphia, saw 

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Commodore Parker, spent one day at the house of Dr. 
Thomson in Wilmington, a most delightful family. 
Found Uncle De Russy at Willard's, well and glad to 
see me; advises me to apply to be reinstated in the 
American Navy. . . . Many old friends here; the city 
is full of strangers. 

Washington, Febr. 23rd. I have seen the President 
and Secretary of the Navy, was most kindly and favor- 
ably received, presented my letters and application for 
reinstatement on the 21st inst. Last evening, the 22nd 
of Fbr., attended the Assembly Ball ; was informed by 
the Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Kennedy, that the 
President has directed my restoration to the Navy. 
This morning my Warrant as Pd. Mid. with back date 
of Aug. loth, 1847, accompanied by a very handsome 
letter & leave of absence, with permission to visit Eu- 
rope, for this year 1853. 

New York City, Bixby's Hotel, March 7th, 1853. 
Arrived this evening. Left Washington Feb. 27th, 
passed that night in Baltimore, arrived at Wilmington 
the 28th, passed one week with Dr. Thomson, one of the 
most agreeable and delightful of my whole life; a most 
amiable family, very pleasant young ladies, my first 
realization of home and most heartily appreciated by 
myself. 

Bixby's Hotel, New York, March 21st. I have just 
returned from Boston after a visit of a few days; have 
seen James and Emily, and aunts, all well. Was called 
suddenly back, met Capt. Wyman, received me kindly. 
I saw Robert and Emily in Washington. 

On board the U. S. M. Ship Herrmann running 
along Long Island bound to Bremen, March 26th, Sat- 
urday, 1853. I have decided rather suddenly to return 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

to Germany in order to endeavor to obtain half pay or 
compensation, that I consider to be my just dues for my 
services in the German Navy. Have the pleasure of 
sailing with my friend Captain Higgins and the advan- 
tages of gaining useful practical experience. 

Steamer Herrmann from New York to Cowes, left 
Pier No. 3 at 12 mer., March 26th, 1853, Civil time. 
Anchored inside the hook for 3 hours; at 3/2 past 5 
P.M., the tide having risen, crossed the bar, took De- 
parture from Sandy Hook, light bearing WSW. Dist 
3 miles; at 6.30 discharged Pilot, light westerly winds, 
steered ESE and E^S var. ^ Pt. westerly. Ship's 
Draft aft 20 ft. 6 inches. For. 20 ft. 

March 27th. . . . Nantucket shoals bore North Dist. 
about 45 miles; weather good, Barom. at Mid. 29 50, 
weather cloudy and rainy. Main topmast housed. 

March 28th. . . . Northerly winds, cloudy, at mer. 
clear. South pt. Great George's Shoal bore W by N 
Dist. 105 miles. . . . Mizzen gaff sent on deck. 

March 29th. . . . West end Sable Island at noon 
bears North Dist. 71 miles. Dist. run, 240 miles. . . . 
Weather good, swell from Nd., all head sail set till 1 1 
A.M. Jib boom taken on deck. Topmasts and yards 
struck; find ship easier and steadier and make better 
headway. 

At 3 shifted 7 tons of Pig iron ballast, 2 large water 
casks and the two Signal guns to just forward of the 
wheel house, increased ship's speed from 10^ to 12 
knots per hour. . . . 

March 31st. At i shifted ballast & signal guns for- 
ward; found the ship before shifting going 12 knots, 
after only 10 knots; shifted it aft again & she went 12 
knots, proving to a demonstration the importance of 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Strict attention to trim of ship. ... At 7 P.M. struck 
soundings on the Banks in about 54 faths. . . . Dist. 
262 miles; per log 276; . . . rate 11 knots, 15 inches 
steam. ... At 9 Passed Propeller Glasgow, she was 
under all sail and steam; she sailed four hours before us 
from New York. . . . 

April ist, Friday. ... At 7 P.M. ran off the Banks. 
. . . Sea getting up, shifted ballast forward to Main 
Mast; at Mid. blowing fresh. ... At 4 A.M. wind 
shifted to the Nd., fresh gales; shifted Ballast to wind- 
ward, found the ship steadier; set main spencer, at 7 
split it; set the storm spencer on short gafif; at 12 mod- 
erated a little. . . . 

April 2nd. . . . Sent up Fore Yard and set the Sail 
at Mid. . . . Propeller Glasgow in sight astern. . . . 
Needles Dist. 1544 miles. 

April 3rd. ... At Midn. fresh westerly winds with 
snow last part fresh gales from the Wd. squally with 
heavy sea from SSW. Got 50 faths. chain aft by the 
Mizzen mast; at mer. fresh gales and heavy sea; ship 
behaves beautifully. . . . 

April 4th. Throughout these 24 hours strong gales 
from Wd. with rain and snow, squalls and heavy follow- 
ing Sea. Foresail set. . . . 

April 6th. . . . From want of sufficient Draft cannot 
generate steam enough, only 1 1 lbs. . . . 

April 7th. Com. & con. throughout these 24 hours 
light breezes from the Wd. & pleas. Foresail & F. T. 
Sail set, at 10 P.M. . . . Dist. 260. Scilly Dist. no 
miles. Bears E ^ N. At noon furled sails, finding that 
they rather retarded than increased her speed; westerly 
winds, find also in the last four or five days that the ship 
has undergone her D. reckoning some 12 to 20 miles 

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each day; this last day, although averaging nearly 12 
knots by log and making 13^ revolutions per minute, 
she has averaged by obs. only 10 knots and 6 faths per 
hour, falling short some 30 miles. At 12 sounded in 74 
fathoms bottom light colored sand and shells. 

April 8th. ... At 8 h. 40' P.M. made Scilly light 
bearing E by N ^ N. . . . At 13 H 30 M Past Mid. 
made Lizard light bearing E j/2 N. . . . 

April 9th. Passed the Needles at 4.20; at 5.40 came 
too off Cowes in 12 days and 20 hours from New York. 
Discharged mails and passengers, proceeded on the 
voyage after receiving the North Sea Pilot on board 
at 7. . . . 

April loth, 1853. ... At 10 Langeoog in sight 
abeam ; at 1 1 Wangeroog bore S^^E, Dist. 5 miles. . . . 
Rec'd Weser Pilot on board 14 days and 16 hours from 
New York, running a Distance 3600 miles. April 10, 
civil account, at 3 P.M. made fast to the Dock at Bre- 
merhaven. 

Tuesday, April 12th, Hotel De I'Europe, Bremen. 
Arrived yesterday at >4 12 o'clock. 

Monday, April i8th, 1853. Arrived this evening, 
after having visited Cologne, going up the Rhine to 
Frankfurt and returning down the Rhine to Cologne; 
arrived in Frankfurt Thursday evening and left Sunday 
morning. Called upon his Excellency Count Brock- 
hurst [Prokesch?] von Osten, President of the German 
Diet, Baron v. Bismarck-Schoenhausen, Prussian Am- 
bassador at the Diet, and Baron Post Captain v. Bour- 
ginon [Borgingnau?], chairman of Naval Committee. 
Sent in my petition for pension from the German Gov- 
ernment for my services in that Navy and left my case 
in the hands of the American Consul, Mr. .Charles 

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Graebe, at Frankfurt. Found the scenery on the Rhine 
the most striking and picturesque that I have ever seen. 
Paid for my 2nd class ticket in Railroad from Bremen 
to Deutz, opposite Cologne, 8^ Prussian Thalers, for a 
lodging and supper with omnibus fare to Hotel in 
Cologne 2^/2 Thalers. Arrived in Cologne at ^ past 
10 P.M. Wednesday evening, April 13th; left Cologne 
at 5 A.M. on the 14th in steamer Prince of Prussia, paid 
for a ticket to Frankfurt & return 4^ Thalers, wine & 
dinner with Breakfast i Thaler. Arrived in Frankfurt 
at 7 P.M., taking the Railroad at Kastel, in the Duke- 
dom of Nassau, where I left the steamboat at }4 past 
6 P.M., paying i^ Thalers; at Frankfurt my bill at 
Hotel from Thursday evening until Sunday morning 
with three bottles of wine was 20 Gulden or 10 Thalers. 
Left Frankfurt Sunday at 8 A.M., left Kastel at 9.30 
A.M. in the Steamboat Prince of Prussia, arrived in 
Cologne at Yi past 4 P.M., took Baggage to Railroad 
in Deutz, visited Cologne and left Deutz at 8 P.M. . . . 

Arrived in Bremen Monday the i8th, left Bremen 
on the 2 1 St, Thursday, and came on board the Herr- 
mann. 

April 22nd, Friday, 1853. At 10 A.M. weighed an- 
chor & left Bremerhaven. 

April 23rd, Sea acct. At i Dis. Pilot; Wangeroog 
bore Wi^S, Dis. 7 miles. ... At 12 Midnight Ter- 
schelling bore South Dist. 10 miles. . . . When first 
leaving the Weser ship made hardly 8^ knots, bearing 
by the head; brought nearly on an even keel and she 
made 10 & 103/2 Knots, good weather and smooth sea 
all forward sail set. 

April 24th, Sea Acct. At 6 P.M. passed light ship at 
Goodwin sands. ... At 9 A.M. docked ship at South- 
ampton, waiting an hour for tide. 

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April 27th, civil acct. At 2.30 left the Southampton 
Docks. ... At 4 h. 40 M, P.M. April 28th Sea acct. 
passed the Needles. . . . 

New York, May nth, 1853. Passed the Light on 
Sandy Hook about 2 P.M., hauled into the ship's berth 
at Pier No. 3., took my old room at Bixby's Hotel, Park 
Place. 

June 1 2th, Bethany, Penn, Arrived here a day or 
two since to pay a visit to my friends Mrs. Otis and 
Harry Otis. Passed the last month in New York and 
enjoyed myself very much ; found all well of my family. 
Saw Adolphus DeRussy. Been looking out for a mail 
steamer. 

Wilmington, Delaware, June 30th, 1853. Arrived 
here yesterday on a visit to my friend Doctor Jno. A. 
Thomson, after having spent a very pleasant time at 
Otis's, riding, driving, trout fishing, et cetera; feel un- 
der much indebtedness for his great kindness to me. Am 
in capital health. Passed through New York and spent 
two days there. 

July 15th, New York. Arrived yesterday from Wil- 
mington after an unusually pleasant and agreeable visit; 
several young ladies in the house; found my friend 
Thomson's family one of the most delightful I have 
ever met with in all my experience. 

July 1 8th, Fort Hamilton, Long Island. Have come 
down to pay a visit to my cousin Capt. DeRussy, who is 
stationed at this place, bringing my friend Dr. Thom- 
son. 

August 19th, Newport. Arrived here today after a 
pleasant visit at Fort Hamilton, where I made many 
pleasant acquaintances and passed the extremely warm 
weather with tolerable comfort. 

Boston, Septbr. 12th, 1853. Arrived on the 30th ult. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

from Newport where I passed a very pleasant two 
weeks, meeting a great many old acquaintances and 
making many new ones. Found my relatives in Boston 
and vicinity well. Have had a very severe attack of 
chills and fever; am now much better. 

New York, Septbr. i6th. Arrived here day before 
yesterday; feel much better. 

Bethany, Septbr. 19th. Arrived yesterday from New 
York to stay at Otis's place. 

October 19th, New York City. Returned today after 
a very pleasant visit of five weeks with my friend Otis; 
health entirely reestablished by riding, hunting, et 
cetera. 

Wilmington, Delaware, November 19th, 1853. Ar- 
rived today from New York on a visit to my friend Dr. 
Thomson. Have passed a very gay month of it in New 
York. The City was crowded with strangers visiting 
Crystal Palace. My Brother James came in to pursue 
his course of civil engineering in Jersey City. 

Washington, D. C, December 8th. Arrived this 
evening after having spent my time very pleasantly in 
Wilmington, Philadelphia and Baltimore; stayed sev- 
eral days at my friend Brintenhouse in Philadelphia. 

Wilmington, Del., Decbr. 15th. Returned today, 
having been successful in obtaining the revocation of 
my orders to the Albany Sloop of War,^ and also having 
laid my claim against the German Government before 
the Secretary of State. 

New York, December 20th, 1853. Arrived today in 

1 In the course of this cruise, which Dallas escaped by the revoca- 
tion of his orders, the sloop of war Albany, Commander James T. 
Gerry, sailed from Aspinwall (Colon) in September, 1854, ^"d was 
never heard of again. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

my old quarters in Chambers St. Spent a few days most 
delightfully in Wilmington, Del. 

Boston, January 4th, 1854. Arrived this morning 
and reported to Com'dore Gregory for duty on board 
of the U. S. Sloop of War Decatur. On my arrival in 
New York, found orders for me to join the Decatur at 
Boston, spent some days in making the necessary prepa- 
rations, arranged matters in New York and left in some 
haste. 

At Sea, Friday, Jany. 13th, 1854. Found the ship 
ordered on special service to go in search of the Steamer 
San Francisco, supposed to be drifting about in the 
Gulf stream between latitudes 38° and 36° N ; joined in 
haste. Tuesday put the ship in commission by order of 
Commander Sterrett, at 11 A.M. 

Navy Yard, Charlestown, January loth, 1854. At 
10.30 put the ship in commission and reed, the crew on 
board, at 11.30 reed, a steamer alongside, at 11.45 
slipped from the Buoy and towed down the Harbour, 
at 1.30 came too in Nantasket roads with 45 faths. Port 
chain in 5 faths. water, wind Sd. & snow^; Long Island 
bore NNW14N, Nix's Mate N>4E, centre of Fort 
Warren ESE>4E; stationed crew. . . . 

Jan. 13th. At 9.20 got under weigh, Wind Sd. & 
Wd. . . . Draft of ship 14 ft. 6 in. for., 15 ft. 8 in. 
aft. . . . Dist. 186 miles. . . . 

Jan. i6th. . . . Temp, of air from 52° to 66°, Water 
from 71° to 68°. Cruising and keeping a bright look- 
out for sails, wrecks, driftwood, etc. I have the order 
to be acting 3rd. Leiut. of the ship. 

Jan. 17th, 1854. Strong breezes from the Wd. 
Boarded the U. S. Mail steamer Alabama, from New 
York the 6th inst., in search of the missing steamer San 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Francisco, having made a transverse course from New 
York to these latitudes. Lat. 35° 20' N, Long. 62° 
i/W. . . . 

Jan. 20th. . , . Spoke English Steamer Orinoco 
bound to England from St. Thomas. . . . 

Friday, Jan. 27th, 1854. Fresh trade winds from E 
to ENE. Standing through the Anegada passage at 
2.30 P.M. Island of Tortola bearing west, Dist. 30 
miles. . . . 

Saturday, January 28th, 1854. Fresh trade winds 
from E to ENE at 8, standing in for Bird Island at 
10, exchanged numbers with Flag Ship Columbia at 
10 h. 50 m., came too in harbour of St. Thomas at 4 h. 
30 m. P. Mer. Owing to the virulence of the Cholera 
raging in St. Thomas, got under weigh and stood for 
Santa Cruz. At 10 H 30 M P.M. came too ofif Fred- 
erickstadt in 10 faths. of water. . , . 

Sunday, Jan. 29th. Exchanged salutes with the Fort 
at Frederickstadt. 

Febr. i st, 1 854. At 8 h. 30 m. got under weigh stand- 
ing for Sail Rock passage; at sunset Sail Rock bore per 
compass N ^ E, Dist. about 8 miles; at midnight St. 
Thomas light bore N^^ E, Dist. 1 2 miles ; laying ofl and 
on all night. . . . 

Febr. 3rd. Moderate trade winds. Dist. per Log 
208 miles. Lat. 21° 28' Long. 67° 19' W. Current S 
23° E, 19 miles. . . . 

Febr. 8th. Fresh winds from Sd. & Ed. Dist. per log 
232 miles. Lat. 28° 18', Long. 71° 50' W. . . . 

Febr. nth. Mod. winds from Nd. & Ed. Dist. per 
Log 174 miles. Lat. obs. 32° 44' N. Long. C. 76° 48' 
W, in Gulf stream. Temp, from 72° to 75°. 

Febr. 14th. We anchored last evening in Lynnhaven 

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and again this morning in the upper part of Hampton 
Roads, the last few days having encountered head 
winds. 

Feb. 15th, 1854. We made fast to the Buoy off the 
Naval Hospital, Norfolk, this evening. 

March ist, ofif Navy Yard, Gosport, Virginia. We 
have been lying off the Yard for the last twelve days, 
employed in setting up rigging, painting and general 
overhaul, and putting things in order which no time was 
afforded to complete in Boston before sailing. Some 
doubt still continues as to our final destination, we being 
kept in daily readiness for sailing, awaiting the Secre- 
tary's decision. 

April 1 6th. We hauled down from the Navy Yard 
off the Naval Hospital on the 12th. The time since 
then we have been constantly under sailing orders and 
therefore unable to leave Norfolk even for a couple of 
days. I have been several times to see Col. De Russy 
and family during this time, and have made many pleas- 
ant acquaintances in Norfolk; the usual routine of ser- 
vice on board of a Man of War in harbour has filled up 
the monotony. We have a new ist Leiut., Mr. Middle- 
ton. 

June 17th, 1854. We sailed from our anchorage off 
the Hospital, Norfolk, on Wednesday 14th inst. after a 
long and most extraordinary delay of four months, dur- 
ing the whole of which time we have been in a perfect 
state of uncertainty as regards our time of sailing and 
our destination. I have made every effort to be de- 
tached from the Pacific Squadron but without success. 
I shall make further efforts to be detached at Rio and 
ordered to the Brazils. 

Friday, June i6th. We sailed this morning from 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Hampton Roads bound to Rio Janeiro. The last two 
months have been passed very pleasantly in a variety of 
ways, more particularly in ladies' society in Norfolk, 
among whom I have found many very agreeable and 
pretty. Passed Cape Henry light at 8.30 A.M. Dist. 
4 miles, bearing SSW. Dist. per Log, 48 miles. . . . 

June 17th. Exercised both Batteries by firing at a 
wreck discovered near us; fired 52 round shot. . . . 

July 1 6th. Remarks. In running from Norfolk in 
the months of June or July would recommend, after 
leaving Cape Henry, to shape our course for the Gulf 
and make easting even if obliged to make northing, as 
it is above all things desirable to strike the NE trades so 
as to be able to cross the line in 30° West Long. — say try 
and strike the trades in about 30° North Lat. and about 
40° or 42° W Long. — if possible, run due South from 
Long. 43° West and take the chance of the SW mon- 
soons; the above is the most desirable route in these 
months from Norfolk to Rio Janeiro. . . . 

August 3rd. Wind SE to SSE pleas. Lat. Obs. 1° 
04'. Current N 85° W 40' Exercised at General quar- 
ters, fired one round shot. . . . 

August 5th. SE to SSE wind, pleas. Lat. obs. 2° 
44' S Lg. C3i°58'W. CurrentN8o°W 1/ (at mid- 
night August 5th the Island of Fernando De Noronha 
bore: Eastern edge ESE, Western edge SE by E, Dist. 
1 1 and 7 miles). . . . 

Aug. 9th. Wind SE. to SSE^^E, pleas. Lat. Obs. 
6° 47' S Lg. C 34° 43'. Dist. per log 113'. Current 
N 48° W 38'. Working along the land in the day and 
standing off at night for the last days. . . . 

Aug. 14th. . . . Sounded in from 12 to 20 fathoms, 
hard bottom (coral). ... At meridian of the 14th 
Pernambuco bore NW by N 11' Dist. 

C1883 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Aug. 15th. ... At sunset cape St. Augustin bore 
N 85° W dist. 8 miles. 

Aug. 1 6th. Wind S by W to S by E. Lat. Obs. 8° 
19' S. Lg. C 34° 40'. Current N 58° W i' 6" knots per 
hour, dist. per log 1 17'. . . . 

Aug. 17th. . . . Every day since the 6th Whales, 
mostly sperm, have been sighted close to the ship. 

Aug. 25th. Pleas. Wind NNE. Made 11 Knots, 
wind on the quarter, the greatest speed made yet. . . . 
Dist. per log, 21 1 miles. 

Aug. 26th. ... At 8 P.M. Cape Frio WNW^W. 

Aug. 27th. ... At 3 P.M. anchored in the harbor of 
Rio De Janeiro in 15 faths. of water; found the U. S. 
Frigate Savannah at anchor. Total Distance sailed per 
log from Norfolk, Va. to Rio De Janeiro, 7478 miles — 
72 days and 6 hours, 53 days of which beating against 
unfavorable winds. 

Sept. 21. . . . U. S. Steamer Massachusetts towed us 
out of the harbor. . . . 

Sept. 23rd. Fresh gales, from ESE. . . . Lat. Obs. 
25° 23' S Lg. Chron. worked back from 4 P.M. 45° 03'. 
Strong SW current & drift. Lost sight of U. S. Steamer 
Massachusetts. . . . 

Oct. 1 2th. ... At 4 Cape Virgin (coast of Pata- 
gonia), entrance to the straits of Magellan, bore South, 
Dist. 12 miles. . . . Total distance per log from Rio 
2220 miles. 

Oct. 13th. At 10 A.M. stood in by Cape Virgin, 
sounding in from 10 to 19^^ faths. bottom dark gray 
sand & blue sand; at Mer. Cape Virgin bore NNW 
Dist. 3 miles, light airs from N & Nd. & Wd. steering 
S by W, found tide about 4 knots, running for Pt. Dun- 
geness. 

Oct. 14th. Sounded every 15 minutes in from 20 to 

D89n 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

44 faths. (mostly 40 fath.), bottom blue sand and grey 
sand. Pleas. & cloudy; wind from Nd. & Ed., Sd. & 
Ed. light and latter part fresh from SW. . . . Standing 
along northern shore from Pt. Dungeness through Pos- 
session Bay. . . . Anchored in 28 feet at Meridian with 
Stream anchor 40 faths. cable, at 2.30 got underweigh & 
stood through the ist Narrows with flood tide, standing 
along the straits for cape Gregory; at 9 P.M. came too 
with Port anchor & 50 faths chain. Rainy, wind vari- 
able; in 16 faths, sandy bottom. 

Oct. 15th. . . . At 2 P.M. got underweigh and stand- 
ing through the Straits for Gregory, steering at SW^ W 
& WSW; sounded in from 10 to 18 faths., rocky and 
sandy bottom. At 5 P.M. anchored in Gregory Bay in 
173^ faths. of water; sent down the T. Glltyards. . . . 

Oct. 17th. . . . Fired at target with the great guns; 
found plenty of snipe, plover and wild Ducks on shore. 

Oct. 1 8th. Clear fresh wind from the Sd. & Wd. ; got 
underweigh and stood through the 2nd Narrows; fresh- 
ening to a gale returned to Gregory Bay, anchored and 
got the ship snug. 

Oct. 19th. . . . Got underweigh, with the flood un- 
der close reefed Topsails, staysail & courses, working 
through the 2nd Narrows; at 10.30 anchored in Royal 
Road, . . . Cape St. Vincent bearing E^^^S per com. 
Pt. Gracia NE by E>^E, Sylvester Point S by Ey.E; 
average Temp, of air 40°. . . . 

Oct. 23rd. . . . At 7.45 A.M. got underweigh under 
the top sails, courses, jib & spanker & stood to the Sd. & 
Ed. ; at 10.20 A.M. came too under the NE end of Eliza- 
beth Island. . . . 

Oct. 24th. . . . Standing through the straits; at 5.40 
P.M. came too in Laredo Bay. . . . 

D9o:i 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Oct. 25th. ... At 6.30 P.M., anchored in Catalina 
Bay under Sandy Pt. [Punta Arenas]. . . . 

Oct. 27th. . . . Got underweigh & stood for Chili 
settlement; at 5.28 came to off the Chili settlement. . . . 

Oct. 28th. . . . I St & 2nd cutters employed wooding 
& watering ship at anchor, Chili settlement. Ther. 38° 
1046°. 

Oct. 29th. . . . Saluted the Governor of the settle- 
ment with 13 guns. . . . 

Novbr. I St. ... At 11.45 anchored in Port Famine 
in 15 faths. of water. Ther. from 44° to 49°. Wind 
failing, sent stream anchor ahead and roused ship up to 
it. Barometer 30 in. 00'' to 30 in. 16''. 

Novbr. 2nd. . . . Employed in watering ship, found 
some bituminous coal on the Island. . . . 

Novbr. 3rd. . . . Found here the frames of build- 
ings erected by a former settlement who were attacked 
and partly massacred by Patagonians; a grave yard and 
other evidences of having been inhabited. . . . 

Novbr. 4th. ... At 8.50 got underweigh beating up 
for St. Nicholas Bay. . . . 

Novbr. 6th. . . . Beating up by Cape Froward. 

Novbr. 7th. . . . Beating up for Cape Holland, at 
4.35 P.M. came too in Snug Bay. . . . 

Novbr. 8th. . . . Beating up from Cape Holland, at 
5.10 P.M. anchored in Woods Bay. ... 

Novbr. loth. Fresh gales from the Wd. and sexually, 
working to the Wd. At 2.30 P.M. anchored in For- 
tescue Bay in 7^ faths., sandy bottom ; sailed since leav- 
ing Rio here 2660 miles. . . . 

Novbr. 1 6th. Heavy squalls of wind with rain; got 
under\veigh & beat to the Wd. ; not gaining, returned to 
Fortescue Bay. . . . 

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Novbr. 1 8th. . . . Got underweigh; failing to make 
to the Wd. returned to Fortescue Bay. . . . 

Novbr. 19th. Squally with rain from the Wd. ; tried 
again but failed to gain ; returned for the fourth time to 
Fortescue Bay. . . . 

Novbr. 2 1 St. . . . Ran up to Borja Bay. . . . 

Novbr. 22nd. Cloudy & squally from W to NW, em- 
ployed watering & wooding ship. Ther. 41° to 48°, 
Barom. 29.12 to 30.14. 

Novbr. 23rd. First part light airs & pleasant, latter 
part squally from the Nd. ; got underweigh beating to 
the Wd. Ther. 41 ° to 54° Barom 29.43'' to 29.88''. 

Novbr. 24th. Squally and sometimes heavy squalls 
from WNW to West; wore ship & run to York Roads; 
anchored in 3 fathoms, shifted berth to 9 faths sandy 
bottom. . . . 

Sunday, Novbr. 26th. ist part fresh winds from the 
Nd. & Wd., working through long reach at 4 A.M. 
Struck by a very heavy squall put the ship before the 
wind under double reefed Foresail & F. Topmast stay- 
sail, blowing a heavy gale from the Wd. At 6.45 an- 
chored in York Road in 8 faths. . . . 

Decbr. 2nd. From Novbr. 26th to present date, fresh 
winds with heavy squalls (from NW to WSW) accom- 
panying with snow and rain, occasionally lulls with the 
tide setting to the Ed., blowing fresh with the westerly 
current; mean average of Ther. at noon 44° to 49°, 
morning 38° to 42°. Barom. 29 in. 19" to 29 in. 91". 

Decbr. 2nd. From date inclusive to Decbr. 8th. 
Squally and fresh winds from the WSW to WNW, 
with rain and occasional squalls of snow. Find the an- 
chorage at York Road evidently afifected as regards 
wind and current by Jerome Channell, the mouth of 

[;i92] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

which is about one mile to the Wd. of the Road; got 
wood for ship, not so good as at Port Famine; hauled 
the Seine in the river near the first Island, caught plenty 
of mullet weighing from i lb. to 8 lb. 

Dec. 9th. . . . Worked up for Borja Bay with the 
tide setting to the Wd. ; anchored at 6.30 in 12 fathoms 
(found within ten feet of shore 3^ faths water), 60 
f aths. chain, a kedge & hawser on Port bow ; observed 1 9 
tides setting to the Wd. and 18 tides setting to the Ed., 
the mean of which gave the duration of westerly tides 
6 h. 7 m. the duration of easterly tides 6 h. 34 m. . . . 

Decbr. 12th. Strong winds from the Wd. squally 
with rain; got underweigh & tried to beat to the Wd.; 
not making anything at 4 P.M. anchored in Borja 
Bay. . . . 

Decbr. 14th. Fresh in squalls from the Nd. & Wd. 
with rain; at 10.25 g^^ underweigh; not gaining to the 
Wd. at 2.40 anchored in Borja Bay. . . . 

Decbr. 15th. Heavy gales in squalls from the Wd. 
with rain; latter part furious squalls of wind & rain. 
Temp, of air 42° to 47°. Barom. 29.48 to 29.90. . . . 

Decbr. i8th. Squally from the Wd. with rain; at 4. 15 
weighed and stood out; not gaining at 8 A.M. anchored 
in Borja Bay. At 12.45 r^^de out the U. S. steamship 
Massachusetts; at 3.15 she anchored in Borja Bay. 
Temp, of air 42° to 45°. Barom. 29.18 to 29.56. 

Tuesday, Decbr. 19th. . . . Employed wooding the 
Massachusetts. . . . 

Decbr. 20th. Squally from the Wd. At 10.30 in fore 
of the steamer, blowing fresh; kept before it, steamer in 
company. 3rd cutter got adrift, the crew fearful of 
swamping, cut her adrift and ran for York Roads; 
heavy squalls, kept for Fortescue Bay. Still squally, 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

hove too off Fortescue Bay. 3rd cutter alongside the 
steamer in Fortescue Bay, hove too under short sail, all 
night. . . . 

Decbr. 2ist. Fresh from the Wd. & pleas. Working 
to the Wd. not being able to reach Fortescue Bay, ran 
for & anchored in Woods Bay. . . . 

Decbr. 22nd. Light var. winds from the Wd. Work- 
ing up Fortescue Bay; not being able to fetch an 
anchorage, came too in Cordes Bay in 6 faths. water; 
bottom coral, sand & shells. . . . 

Decbr. 23rd. . . . Squally from the Wd. ; struck six 
guns below on the Berth Deck. . . . 

Decbr. 24th. . . . Got underweigh and stood for 
Fortescue Bay; at 10.40 A.M. anchored near the 
Massachusetts off Port Gallant in 10 faths. water. . . , 

Decbr. 25th. . . . The Massachusetts towed us up to 
Borja Bay from 6.30 A.M. to 3.35 when we came too, a 
distance of 21 miles. . . . 

Decbr. 26th. ... At 10.30 stood out in tow of steam- 
ship, standing to the Wd. ; at 3.30 squally & not gaining, 
the steamer cast off; was obliged to run back to Borja 
Bay where we anchored in 17 fathoms of water at 
8 P.M. . . . 

Decbr. 27th. . . . At 8.15 A.M. the Massachusetts 
stood in and anchored; employed wooding the Massa- 
chusetts. . . . 

Decbr. 31st. Borja Bay. ... At 1.30 stood out in 
tow of the U. S. Steamship Massachusetts, at 2.45 
abreast of Cape Quod; standing through long reach, 
light airs, smooth water, in tow at 5.30 P.M. Cape 
Notch bore per compass North dist. 2 miles; at 8.35 
anchored in Playa Parda. . . . 

Playa Parda, Jan. ist, 1855. ^^od. & light winds 

D94II 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

from Nd. & Ed. to Sd. & Ed. with light rain. Temp, of 
air 48° to 55°, Barom. 29.68''. 

January 2nd. ... At 5.30 A.M. stood out into the 
strait through Long reach in tow of the steamer. In sea 
reach Cape Providence 2 pts for. of the starbd bow and 
Cape Tamar WNW, dist. 1 1 miles ; standing the straits 
in tow. . . . 

January 3rd. Harbor of Mercy, coast of Tierra del 
Fuego, western entrance of straits. ... At 6.20 A.M.- 
we anchored in Harbor of Mercy in 11 faths. bottom 
sandy, veered to 50 faths. . . . 

Thursday, January 4th, 1855. ... At 5 got under- 
weigh in Tow of the Massachusetts; at 8 A.M. Cape 
Pillar bore per compass ESE, Cape Victory North; 
made sail at 5.30, the steamer cast off. Was appointed 
acting master of the ship. . . . Have been eighty three 
days in the straits and 105 days out from Rio. 

January 5th, 1855. At sea, . . . the steamer in com- 
pany. . . . 

Jany. i6th. ... At 3.44 P.M. high land dis. ahead; 
at 10.40 P.M. dis. a light on Angeles Pt. 

Jany. 17th. ... At 4 A.M. stood in for the light; at 
7 A.M. anchored in Valparaiso harbor, near U. S. frig- 
ate St. Lawrence in 25 faths. of water;. . . (note) must 
be careful to place anchors wide apart and to put on 
mooring swivel. ... At sea Friday; total distance 
sailed from Rio De Janeiro to Valparaiso 5073 miles. 

Jany. 26th. Bound to the Sandwich Islands. We 
have been ready for sea since the 23rd, but could not get 
our anchors, having moored too slack and dragged to 
fouled hawse. Lost 12 men by overstaying liberty; 
filled up with water & provisions. ... At 10 in tow of 
flagships' (both English & Americans) boats; at 10.15 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

wind Sprung up from SW, cast off, stood out at ii. 
Light House on Angeles Pt. bore per com. S 31° E. 
Ship's Draft 15.3 aft, 15.5 for.; proper draft of ship is 
16 inches by the stern. . . . 

Febr. 17th. ... At 10 A.M. crossed the line in 117° 
29' west Long. . . . 

March 8th. . . . LaL of Honolulu harbor 21° 18'. 
Long. 157° 53'. By Beechy 157° 58', by Raper, 157° 
55'. From Valparaiso to Honolulu sailed per log 5656 
miles, total distance logged 22449 miles. At 1.30 an- 
chored in 5 faths. of water, 30 faths. chain, moored with 
45 on starbd. and 30 faths. in port cable. At anchor har- 
bor of Honolulu, Sandwich Islands (Island of Oahu) 
from March 8th to June ist. Arrived March 9th, 
H.B.M. Sloop Dido; April 9th, H.B.M. Arctic ship 
Rattlesnake with stores; arrived April nth, H.B.M. 
Frigate President; April 14th, H.B.M. steam sloop 
Brisque; April 17th, French Frigate Alceste, 54 guns; 
April 22nd, H.B.M. 36-gun Frigate Pique; May 9th, 
H.B.M. Frigate Amphitrite, also French Admiral's 
Frigate La Forte; May 12th, French Brig of war Obli- 
gado; May 19th, the French Sloop of war Eurydice; 
May 24th, arrived H.B.M. Line of Battle Ship Mon- 
arch, 42 days from Valparaiso. 

June ist. Got under weigh and stood for the Island 
of Kauai, in search of the missing ship New World. 

June 2nd. Arrived at Waimea, Kauai. 

June 3rd to June 6th. Working back for Honolulu. 

From June 6th to June 23rd. At anchor in Honolulu 
Harbor. 

June 23rd. Got under weigh for San Francisco; ran 
to leeward of the Island of Oahu, standing to the Nd. 
through the trades. . . . 

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June 25th. . . . Trimmed ship by stern 12 inches; 
sails very much better. . . . 

July 1 8th. Off Vancouver's Island running for 
straits of Fuca, underway all night, light wind, ebb tide 
running about 9 hours, flood about 4 hours, barely hold- 
ing our own. 

July 19th. At 4.50 P.M. anchored in Port San Juan, 
on Vancouver's Island, in 10 fathoms of water, hard 
bottom, fine roomy Bay, good anchorage and good wa- 
ter. Many Indians; settlement of traders for Hudson 
Bay company. 

20th. At 9 A.M. left Port San Juan; at 8.25 came 
too off Wilson's point, wind failing, tide setting ebb, in 
II fathoms sandy bottom; off Dungeness found a tide 
of about 5 knots. 

2 1 St. At 3 anchored off Port Townsend in 16 faths. 
clayey bottom, good anchorage; could not water, but 
good water 3 miles above. 

23rd. Ran over to Whidbey's Island, anchored . . . 
within 300 yards of shore. Exercised with great guns at 
target on the beach, put 2^ shots into a log 22 feet long 
out of 41 discharged; capital firing. No good water- 
ing place. 

24th. Anchored at Port Townsend. 

July 28th. At 5 A.M. got underway working down 
against a westerly wind. 

July 30th. 7 P.M. anchored in Near Bay [Neahbay] 
in 10 faths. bottom grey sand. Near Bay is on the south- 
ern side and near the entrance of the straits of Fuca; it 
affords good shelter, excellent anchorage, plenty of 
wood and water, and abounds in Salmon caught with 
ease and in abundance by the indians. Exercised at a 
Target with the great guns. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

August 2nd. At 6.50 got underway, wind light, tid- 
ing out of the straits with the ebb. . . . 

August 6th. ... At 2.45 came too in harbor of San 
Francisco. ... At 12.40 reed, a pilot about 3 miles 
outside the heads. Dist. sailed from Near Bay Strs. of 
Fuca 727 miles, total Dist. sailed 27161 miles. . . . 

August nth. From 6th inst. to date, at anchor off 
San Francisco. At 11.30 A.M. got underweigh under 
T Gilt, sails and stood up the Sacramento river; at 2.15 
anchored off Navy Yard, Mare Island. . . . 

From August nth 2.15 P.M. to August 29th inclu- 
sive, at anchor off Mare Island, employed caulking, 
provisioning, refitting & painting ship. 

August 30th. . . . Off Navy Yard, Mare Island. At 
4.45 A.M. we got underweigh, at 5.10 ship drifting 
astern with tide, let go starbd. anchor, at 5.15 ship stuck 
on muddy bottom, at 12.10 washed off with flood tide, 
at 4.30 hauled into Navy Yard, anchored in 6 faths. 

August 3 1 St. At 4.07 P.M. got underweigh and com- 
menced working down for San Francisco, at 8.25 P.M. 
anchored between points San Pedro & San Pablo, Sacra- 
mento River, in 9 faths., at 1 1.30 Flood-tide made. 

Septbr. ist. At anchor off San Francisco. At 6.10 
A.M. got underweigh, beating down for San Francisco, 
at 10 m. past meridian, anchored at the entrance of 
Raccoon straits. Flood having made, at 2.45 weighed 
and stood for San Francisco, at 3.30 came too off San 
Francisco in 8 faths. 

From Septbr. ist to Septbr. 7th. At anchor off San 
Francisco. 

Septbr. 7th. At 11.20 got underweigh under TGllt 
sails, working out of San Francisco Bay; at 5.30, Flood 
making, anchored in 7 faths. of water; ... at 11.20 
P.M. got underweigh and stood out to sea. . . . 

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Septbr. loth. . . . At 5 P.M. exchanged signals with 
the U. S. Frigate (Flag Ship) Independence, saluted 
and communicated with the Commodore. . . . 

Septbr. 25th. Cloudy fresh & mod. winds from the 
Ed. Working up for Cape Classet, dist. 1 1 1. 

Septbr. 26th. Working up for Near Bay and in the 
straits of Fuca ; latter part, working up for Port Towns- 
end. 

Septbr. 27th. Anchored off port Townsend; total 
distance sailed 29724 miles. 

Octbr. 4th. Ran up to Seattle, anchored in Seattle 
Bay at 1.15 P.M. 

From 4th to 15th. Anchored in Seattle Bay. 

Octbr. 15th. Indian hostilities commencing, sup- 
plied arms to volunteers from ships. 

Octbr. i6th to Novbr. 20th. Anchored off Seattle 
Town, moored head and stern, guns shotted, loaded 
with grape, shell & cannister, and trained. Block House 
at Seattle garrisoned and everything on the qui vive, to 
repel an Indian attack. Frequent exercise with great 
guns and small arms at target practice. 

Novbr. 23rd, 1855. The Indian war becoming of a 
more formidable and serious nature, upon the urgent 
requisition of the comdg. officer of the Military district 
of Puget Sound, I was ordered or rather detached for 
field duty w^ith the army and appointed as aide de camp 
and adjutant of the regular forces about the sound and 
in the country fighting the Indians. My first duties 
were preparing and sending pack animals with pro- 
visions for the troops on the other side of the Puyallup 
and making myself generally acquainted with my new 
duties & as useful as possible. 

On the 27th, Lt. McKeaver of comp. M, 3rd Artil- 
lery, took out a detachment of 25 men to reinforce Lt. 

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Slaughter's command at Semmons between the Puyal- 
lup and White rivers. Lt. McKeaver on his return re- 
ported that Lt. S's camp was surrounded by 200 Indians, 
who were firing during the night at the camp & who 
had killed one private who was in the act of getting 
water from the spring. By order I at once despatched 
an express to Capt. Hays' Company of mounted volun- 
teers, some 80 strong, with orders to move to Bradley's, 
some 12 miles from Fort Steilacoom and on the trail to 
the Puyallup River, and await the arrival of CapL 
Keyes and myself, early on the morning of the 29th. 
With an escort of 10 regulars and five pack animals on 
the morning of the 30th, as soon as Hays' mounted com- 
mand arrived at Bradley's with a command of about 
85 mounted men and some pack animals, during a heavy 
rain with the roads in a heavy state we made a forced 
march of 14 miles to the Puyallup River. At times the 
horses were nearly belly deep with mud and mire. We 
sent an advanced guard of ten men to scout, and driving 
the pack animals with the main body as we passed 
through thickest swamps and sloughs, which from the 
report of the scouts were ambushed by Indians, the 
command were constantly on the alert, one hand upon 
the trigger of their guns, dismounted at the worst places. 
On arriving at the river bank I spread the command 
along under cover, sending a few men across to com- 
municate with Lt. Slaughter. Finding his camp for- 
tified and he in possession of 18 days' rations and he 
expressing himself able to hold his position and not 
being in need of reinforcement, so soon as the men re- 
crossed the river, it being deep, rapid and very much 
swollen, two men being dismounted in fording and 
nearly drowned, w^e returned to Bradley's, camping 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

there that night. Slaughter has 80 regulars and 25 
volunteers under his command. Our command has 
made a forced march of 29 miles over a terrible trail, it 
being impossible to obtain fodder for the animals except 
at Bradley's. It requires but a glance at the country, 
means of communication and the difficulties with which 
an officer must contend with in conducting an expedi- 
tion against hostile Indians at this season and in this 
latitude, to appreciate & understand its difficulties. 

Decbr. ist. Returned with the command to Fort 
Steilacoom. 

Decbr. 2nd. Went on a scout with 18 men to Nis- 
qually. 

Decbr. 3rd. Reconnoitring & scouting Nisqually 
Prairie. 

Decbr. 4th. Took out a command & left a garrison 
of 12 men at Nisqually Hudson Bay Station. 

Decbr. 5th. Scouted to Montgomery's on the Puyal- 
lup trail. 

Decbr. 6th. Employed in preparations to take the 
field against the Indians as an express arrived from Lt. 
Slaughter. 

Decbr. 7th. Went to upper and lower Steilacoom, 
scouting the woods, a canoe arrived bringing news of an 
attack by Indians upon Slaughter's camp by Pupshulk 
Prairie by large body of Indians. Lt. S. shot through 
the heart, two Corporals, i Private killed, 5 severely 
wounded. Prepared to send assistance to Lt. S's com- 
mand; sent express to Hays' command. 

Decbr. 8th. Scouted the prairies with a small com- 
mand. 

Decbr. 9th. Buried Lt. S. Accompanied Capt. 
Maloney's command to Bradley's; returned to garrison. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Decbr. loth. Visited garrison at Nisqualiy, sent or- 
ders to Hays' command to go the relief of Slaughter's 
late command, returned from inspecting Nisqualiy 
garrison. 

Decbr. i ith. Went to Steilacoom, purchased a boat, 
mounted it on wheels, packed it with provisions for 
transport to & across the Puyallup with a coil of rope 
for crossing, sent it to Capt. Maloney's with an escort of 
nine men. 

1 2th. Sent provisions to Hewitt's camp. 

Decbr. 13th. Visited the post at Nisqualiy. Rec'd 
an express from Hays' camp; he was making a forced 
march, has been obliged to dismount his command for 
want of forage, has succeeded in destroying a large 
quantity of Indian provisions. 

Decbr. 14th. Reconnoitred the lower trails leading 
to the Puyallup; established a post of 14 men in a log 
barn on the lower trail to the Puyallup near Morrison's. 

Decbr. 15th. Reconnoitred the plains with escort for 
indian trails. 

Decbr. i6th. Went to Steilacoom, hired a sloop and 
shipped 10 days' rations to Hewitt's command. Capt. 
Maloney & Capt. Hays brought in command from 
Morrison's with 34 animals. 

Decbr. 17th. Steamer Active arrived, bringing 
[news] of the Decatur having got on shore, so badly 
injured that she must be hove. Took an escort mounted 
and scouted the plains; visited the different posts. 

Decbr. 22nd. Rec'd orders to join the Decatur; have 
been the last five days busily employed on various 
duties. 

Decbr. 23rd. Rejoined the Decatur, Comdr. Ganse- 
voort in command. Found the ship dismantled, hauled 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

up on the beach alongside of Yesler's wharf at Seattle. 
From this date to January 23rd, 1856, actively engaged 
in repairing ship, garrisoning town in constant expecta- 
tion of an attack from hostile Indians, having on board 
at night some forty or fifty women & children. 

On the morning of the 26th January, after having 
been in charge of the outskirts of the SE end of the 
town for some days with two divisions from the ship, for 
several nights I had heard and seen indians prowling in 
neighboring forests, we were just embarking to go on 
board to breakfast when the alarm was given that the 
indians were attacking in force the town. I moved with 
my command at double quick with arms at a trail, ham- 
mocks on their shoulder, keeping them in rear of trees 
and houses as much as possible. Gained my old position 
about 8.20, just in time to have the indians open from 
the rising ground and forests on the opposite [side] of a 
swamp of about 200 yards wide a smart fire. By this 
time I had occupied a hen coop with half of my men, 
each man having his hammock in front of him with 
orders not to fire until the Indians shew themselves. A 
woodshed in rear of the hencoop with a hayloft above it 
I occupied with my men who had rifles. By this time a 
howitzer had come up and the woods for some two 
miles in extent were literally filled with Indians, I 
think at the least calculation numbering some 700 or 
800, the woods ringing with their yells and firing. 
The fight began to get pretty warm, one man near my 
post shot through the temple. I charged out several 
times to draw the fire from the Indians, leaving a por- 
tion of my command with rifles to shoot at the Indians; 
in this [way] killed three from our post. About this 
time standing side of my men with spy glass directing 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

them, one musket [ball] went through my blanket be- 
tween my arm and heart, another knocked the nipple 
off the musket of the [man] next too me. Our post was 
nearly riddled with balls. As yet I had no breakfast. 
About one o'clock while entering a house a few feet in 
the rear, a ball passed over my head, through the door, 
through the partition of the closet, and rolled back at 
my feet. I turned, got a sight with my rifle, and think 
I knocked over an Indian over on a log, loaded, got 
something to eat and got back just in time to find some 
of my men half way down the swamp, firing away at 
the indians. I rushed after, called them back and got 
them behind some stumps just in time to escape a heavy 
volley from a large body of indians. We had all this 
time the ridge of the town opposite the woods lined with 
our ship's company, about 90 in all, firing at the In- 
dians, stealing towards and keeping them at bay. About 
3 o'clock, ordered to fall back, concentrate, and cover 
the embarkation of the women & children to the ship; 
fell back, concentrated under a hot fire, opened the 
howitzer and our musketry upon the Indians. As soon 
as all were embarked, left our Marines in the only 
blockhouse, returned to the [ship] and opened our big 
guns with shell and round shot wherever any indians 
appeared; drove them from the rear of the town and 
fired at intervals wherever they lighted fires. Saved 
the houses and property of the town; lost two killed, the 
Indians lost 30 killed and 35 wounded; they burned the 
farmhouses up the Duwamish river and the outlying 
settlements. 

Jan. 27th. Employed in garrisoning and fortifying 
the town from this date up to Febr. 24th, when the U. S. 
steamer Massachusetts arrived from San Francisco. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

The officers and crew of the Decatur were actively em- 
ployed running a line of breastwork the whole extent 
of the town, building two Blockhouses, clearing away 
the stumps for the howitzer to run, felling heavy timber 
and clearing the woods in rear of the town and doing 
garrison duty. 

This continued with me until the 29th of March 
when the U. S. Steamer John Hancock arrived and I 
was ordered as first Leiutenant and joined her the same 
day. U. S. Steamer John Hancock, propeller, with 2 
oscillating engines of 70 horse power, length overall 
151 feet, beam 22 ft., draft at load line 12 ft. 8 in. aft, 

11 ft. 2 in. for., 500 tons displacement, battery i heavy 
24 pd. Dahlgren howitzer, 2 heavy 12 pd. do., one light 

12 pd. do., 100 stand of arms, pistols and cutlasses in 
proportion; full barque rig, four boats; complement, 
officers and men, 73. Found the ship in great disorder, 
everything about her, except her engines & boilers, as 
she came from Ringgold's exploring expedition, she 
having been hurried down from the Navy Yard, Mare 
Island, to come up to the scene of Indian hostilities. 

April ist. 2 h. 10 m. P.M. left Seattle, came too off 
Olympia 11 h. 30 m. P.M. 

April 2nd. Left Olympia 11 h. 30 A.M. . . . came 
too off Port Gamble 2 h. 20 m. 

April 3rd. . . . Anchored at Port Townsend 9 h. 
20 m., left II h. 20 m., anchored in Esquimault harbor, 
Vancouver's Island, at 4 h. 20 m. P.M. 

April 5th. Left Esquimault at 5 h. 15 m., anchored 
in Bellingham Bay 5 h. 30 m. P.M. Bellingham Bay, 
a coal mine newly opened, coaled ship. . . . 

April 7th. Left Bellingham Bay 11 h. 15 m., an- 
chored in Port Townsend. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

April 8th. Left Port Townsend at i h. 15 m. chasing 
Northern canoes. Anchored above Wilson's point; sent 
Launch, myself in charge, captured two canoes, brought 
them alongside. 2 P.M. got underweigh anchored at 
Protection Id. 7 h. 10 m. P.M. 

April 9th. 5 h. 15 m. A.M. got underweigh, at 5 h. 
50 m. stopped at Dungeness roadstead, weighed at 6 h. 
30 m., anchored at Port Townsend, left at 10 h. 
30 m. P.M. 

April loth. Anchored at Holmes Bay 6 h. 45 m. 
A.M.; left i h. 15 m., came too in Seattle at 7 h. 
35 m. P.M. During the foregoing cruise visited every 
place where there was an Indian reservation or white 
settlement, driving all northern Indians out of the 
Sound and keeping a sharp lookout for hostile Indians. 

April 1 2th. At 10 h. 25 m. P.M. sailed for Olympia 
with a prisoner, an Indian. 

April 13th. At 6 h. 45 m. A.M. anchored below 
Olympia, at 4 h. 10 m. left; arrived at Steilacoom 7 h. 
15 m. 

April 14th. Left Steilacoom 2 h. 20 m. A.M., an- 
chored at Seattle 6 h. 40 m. A.M. 

April 1 8th. Sailed at 9 h. 10 m. A.M. from Seattle, 
arrived at Steilacoom 2 h. 20 m. P.M. 

April 19th. Rec'd on board a detachment of U. S. 
Troops, 9th Regiment of Infantry, for transportation; 
left Steilacoom i h. 45 m. P.M., arrived at Seattle 6 h. 
55 m. P.M., left for Port Madison 7 h. 15 m., anchored 
off Port Madison 9 h. 25 m. 

April 20th. Left Port Madison 10 h. 30 m. A.M., 
arrived at Seattle 12 h. 10 m. mer., left Seattle 5 h. 50 m. 
P.M., anchored in Port Townsend 10 h. 40 m. 

April 2 1 St. Left Port Townsend i h. P.M., arrived 

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at Port Madison 6 h. lo m. P.M.; 8 h. 25 m. left, an- 
chored at Seattle 10 h. P.M. 

April 27th. Left Seattle at 2 h. 15 m., anchored in 
Steilacoom 7 h. 25 m. On this passage while exercising 
at great guns, one of the quarter deck ran over my foot, 
disabling me for some time. 

April 28th. Left Steilacoom at 6 h. A.M., anchored 
at Fort Nisqually 7 h. 25 A.M., left 11 h. 20 m. ; at 5 h. 
20 m. arrived Port Madison, stopped 55 minutes, an- 
chored in Seattle at 8 P.M. 

From 28th April to May 5th. At anchor on Seattle 
Bay overhauling engine, wooding & watering ship. 

May 5th. At 6.20 got underweigh with some Indian 
prisoners, at 3.55 P.M. anchored olTf Olympia. 

May 6th. At 7.45 A.M. left Olympia, at 10.40 A.M. 
anchored of? Steilacoom. 

May 7th. Drove one of the Islands for deer with 
ship's company; at 6.40 P.M. anchored in Seattle Bay. 

May 8th. At 9 left Seattle, at 2 P.M. stopped ofif 
Steilacoom, at 3.45 P.M. anchored oflf Fort Nisqually. 

9th. Left at 7.45, cruising for hostile indians; at 
5.55 P.M. anchored off Seattle. 

May nth. At 4.15 left, visited Port Orchard, Port 
Madison and Port Ludlow, also Port Gamble; at 6.55 
P.M. anchored off Port Townsend, visiting all the In- 
dian reservations. 

May 1 2th. At 10 A.M. left Port Townsend, at 1.45 
anchored in Dungeness Bay; inspected reservation. 

May 13th. At 20 m. past Midnight left Dungeness, 
steamed across the straits of Fuca; at 6.30 A.M. an- 
chored in Esquimault Bay, Island of Vancouver. 

May 14th. At 3 A.M. left and 12.15 P.M. anchored 
in Bellingham Bay, coaling ship. . . . 

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May 17th. . . . Visited Penn's Cove & Holmes Har- 
bor and at Midnight anchored in Seattle Bay; em- 
ployed wooding & watering ship, painting, also in 
drilling crew with small arms, and at the great guns. 

May 27th. At 5.30 A.M. rec'd on board a detach- 
ment of troops; at 10.15 A.M. landed the detachment 
of Troops at Steilacoom. . . . 

At 3.30 A.M. 31st, anchored off Holmes Harbor, in- 
spected reservations, cruising after hostile indians, at 
5.30 A.M. left, boarded several vessels, at 2.30 P.M. 
anchored off Port Townsend. 

June ist. 6.40 A.M. left and at 1.30 P.M. anchored 
off Seattle, wooded & watered ship at 6 A.M. 

June 2nd. Got underweigh with the U. S. Ship 
Decatur in tow, at 3.30 P.M. parted the Decatur's 
hawsers in a heavy tide. ... At 5.30 P.M. cast off the 
Decatur & anchored in Port Townsend. 

June 3rd. At 5.35 A.M. took Decatur again in tow, 
at 9.05 P.M. cast off Decatur, anchored in Port San 
Juan, Vancouver's Island, having towed her 84 miles 
under steam. 

June 4th. Left Port San Juan at 7.20 A.M. with 
Decatur in tow, at 11. 10 A.M. cast her off outside of 
Cape Classet, at 11.45 iri^de all sail, cheered the Deca- 
tur, and stood into the straits of Fuca. 

June 5th. At 7.15 A.M. anchored in Bellingham 
Bay, employed caulking spar deck, repairing Launch 
and coaling ship. 

June 8th. Left Bellingham Bay at 4 A.M., at 2.20 
visited Port Townsend, at 3.40 left, at 7.45 P.M. visited 
Port Gamble, at 8.25 A.M. left. 

June 9th. At 4.15 A.M. visited Penn's Cove, at 
5.20 A.M. left, at 7.20 anchored in Holmes Harbor, at 
1 1. 10 A.M. left. Engines working with one boiler, at 

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4.35 visited Port Madison, at 5.20 left, at 7.20 anchored 
in Seattle Bay. Wooded ship, exercised the crew at 
target firing with rifles, at great guns, and with the 
Launch's Howitzer. 

June 14th. At 25 minutes past Midnight left Seattle, 
at 1.45 P.M. anchored in Utsaladdy Bay, landed with 
all the boats armed and captured two Indians, wound- 
ing one in the right shoulder. 

June 15th. At 6.20 A.M. left, at 8.20 visited Holmes 
Harbor, at 1.35 P.M. anchored in Seattle Bay, wooded 
ship, employed in exercising crew at small arms, target 
firing and at the great guns. 

June 2ist. At 5.30 A.M. left Seattle, visited Steila- 
coom and at 4.05 P.M. anchored ofif Olympia. 

June 24th. At 12.26 P.M. took steamer May Queen 
and 5 canoes in tow, left, at 5.30 P.M. anchored ofif 
Steilacoom. 

June 25th. At I P.M. left and 5.35 anchored in 
Seattle Bay, wooding ship, drilling men. 

July 3rd. At 4 A.M. left Seattle, towed down the 
Sound some northern canoes, arrived at Bellingham 
Bay at 5.30 P.M. 

July 4th. Dressed ship, read the Declaration of In- 
dependence to the crew. 

July 7th. Employed drilling crew at great guns and 
at small arms; at 3.15 A.M. left Bellingham Bay, at 
noon anchored in Esquimault harbor. 

July 8th, 1856. At 4.27 left, at 9 anchored ofif Port 
Townsend. 

July 9th. Visited Port Gamble. 

July loth. Took 13 canoes in tow, of northern In- 
dians, and cast them ofif ofif Victoria harbor; at 9.12 
P.M. arrived at Seattle. 

July 1 2th. Went to Port Townsend, at 4.20 left, at 

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6.30 in Foulweather Bay, I (Leiut. Dallas) left the ship 
with whale boat, two canoes, 10 seamen, Curley (In- 
dian chief) and five of his tribe, also seven marines; at 
4 P.M. surrounded Port Ludlow and arrested a deserter 
from the Decatur. 

13th July. Returned to Seattle; employed drilling 
crew & wooding ship. 

July 1 6th. Went to Port Townsend. 

17th. At 4.50 P.M. arrived at Bellingham Bay. 

i8th. At 3.15 A.M. left, at 3.20 P.M. arrived at 
Nanaimo in the Gulf of Georgia. . . . 

July 20th. Left Nanaimo at 5 A.M., burst a tube 
running with one boiler, at 9.10 anchored ofif Lummi 
Island. . . . 

23 rd. Visited Port Townsend, arrived at Seattle at 
8.42 P.M. employed in watering & wooding ship. 

July 24th. Hauled alongside of tlie Massachusetts 
steam frigate, discharged coal into her, at 5.30 left, at 
10.27 arrived at Steilacoom. 

July 26th. Went to Olympia. 

27th. Brought Governor Stevens from Olympia to 
Steilacoom. 

28th. Returned to Seattle. 

29th. Wooded & watered ship, at 4 P.M. left. 

30th. At 1.20 arrived at Port Townsend, visited 
Dungeness Bay; at 8.50 arrived at Bellingham Bay, em- 
ployed coaling ship. 

August 4th. At 4 A.M. left, reconnoitred Point St. 
Francis, communicated with Port Townsend, at 8.45 
anchored off Seattle, employed wooding & watering 
ship & getting ship ready for Sea. Rec'd on board the 
remains of Mr. Charles Francis, late Capt. Clerk of the 
U. S. ship Decatur. 

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August loth. At 8.25 left Seattle. 

nth. Sent down all the yards, towed Revenue Cut- 
ter Jefferson Davis to Port Townsend, standing down 
the straits of Fuca. 

Aug. 1 2th. At sea; . . . sent up yards made all 
drawing sail. . . . 

Aug. 14th. . . . Under sail & steam. . . . 

Aug. 16. Mod. NW hazy; . . . at 7.40 made North 
Farallone Light House, at midnight made south head 
light, stood off and on. 

At 3 A.M. Aug. 17th, Sunday, anchored off San 
Francisco, at 1.50 P.M. left San Francisco, at 6.30 P.M. 
anchored off Mare Island, preparing to transfer ship to 
Navy Yard. 

Thursday, Aug. 21st. Hauled ship alongside the 
Navy Yard. 

22nd. Unbent sails, unwind running gear. 

Aug. 23rd. Muster all hands, paid off and dis- 
charged the crew, hauled down the pennant and put the 
U. S. Steamer John Hancock out of commission. 

Septbr. 6th. Rejoined U. S. ship Decatur at Mare 
Island Dock, ship hauled off the Dock to Navy Yard 
wharf. 

Oct. 1 6th. Commander Gansevoort was furloughed 
and left the ship. 

From Septbr. 6th to Octbr. 23rd. Employed restor- 
ing and thoroughly refitting ship for sea. 

Oct. 23rd. Left Mare Island. . . . 

From Octbr. 24th to Novbr. 15th. Anchored off San 
Francisco, clear weather, winds from Sd. & Wd. & Nd. 
& Ed., employed shipping men & discharging old crew 
as their terms of service expired. 

From Novbr. 15th to Jan. 4th, 1857. Off Pacific St. 

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wharf, San Francisco, employed shipping men, and dis- 
charging the old crews; also drilling ship's company. 
. . . Clear and occasional heavy squalls and short gales, 
frequently letting go the second anchor, latterly moored. 

From Janr. 4th to Janr. 8th. Employed getting ship 
ready for sea. 

Janr. 8th, 1857. At 11. 10 got underweigh, at 12.45 
passed the heads, at 5 P.M. took our departure from the 
south Farallone, light bearing W by S Dist. 5 miles. . . . 

Jan. 27th. . . . Passed a mail steamer; employed 
drilling crew at great guns & small arms, rigging their 
spars, &c. . . . 

Febr. 2nd. . . . Exercised at general quarters; high 
land in sight. . . . 

Febr. 4th. . . . Exercised crew at great guns and 
broadsword exercise. . . . 

Febr. 6th. ... A volcano in sight in eruption; 
passed through heavy tide, its water dark green. . . . 

Febr. loth. . . . High land in sight & several vol- 
canoes. . . . 

Febr. 12th. Wind light & mod. fresh Nd. & E, 
pleas. ; . . . ship pitching & thumping, heaving, mak- 
ing an inch of water per hour. . . . 

March 2nd. Calm and light airs, overcast; got up 
and bent the chains, anchors ofif the bow and stream 
cable ready & bent to stream anchor. . . . 

March 4th. Winds light & pleas.; passed a number 
of small crabs and snakes. High land in sight. . . . 

March 6th. . . . Working up the Gulf and Bay of 
Panama. . . . 

March 8th. Working for the anchorage off Panama. 



11212] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Bay of Panama, March, 1857. 

U. S. Ship Decatur, E. Middleton, Commander, 5th, 
6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th, employed working in for the Bay 
of Panama, light variable winds. On the evening of 
the 9th of March made the City of Panama and the 
U. S. Flag Ship Independence at anchor; anchored 
about 1 1 miles off. Next morning, got under weigh 
with light airs, employed all day working up for the 
anchorage ofif Panama; at 9 P.M. came too ahead and 
inside of the Independence, in 4 fathoms of water. My 
Brother in Law Lt. Wyman, ist of the Independence, 
came on board to see me, also Lt. McCauley, Flag Lt. 
We found them prepared to resist an attack upon the 
Railroad and Buildings of the Panama R. R. Company 
and American Citizens ; got our boats armed and ready, 
warped ship closer in, and employed in exercising the 
crew for service. Visited Panama several times, saw 
the old ruins, old churches, and fortifications, every evi- 
dence of an old Spanish town. In landing we have to 
pass through reefs in boats and have to land on the 
beach near the entrance to the fortifications. 

March 30th. Everything ready for inspection. 
Com'dore. Mervine, Capt. Hoff and a Leiut. made a 
thorough inspection of the ship, battery, battery exer- 
cise; also boats, and armaments. On the 31st of March 
Comdr. Thatcher, Leiuts. Clitz, Harmony, and Stock- 
ton came on board for duty and releived us, viz. Comd. 
Middleton, Lts. Drake, Lambert, Phelps, Dallas and 
Morris. Drs. Ward and Lane releived Drs. Jeffrey and 
Taylor; our Purser J. J. Jones remained. Ordered to 
take passage in steamers for New York via Isthmus of 
Panama Railroad. 

March 31st. Detached from the U. S. Sloop Deca- 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

tur. Landed in Panama stopped at the Aspinwall 
Hotel, waiting for steamer day. 

April 3rd. Went across the Isthmus of Panama by 
rail in 4 hours, stopping at Aspinwall. 

April 4th. Passengers arrived from San Francisco, 
went aboard steamer George Law (afterwards lost with 
500 Passengers under name of the Central America) 
[and] at 6 P.M. sailed for New York. My uncle. Col. 
De Russy, and family were among the San Francisco 
passengers, also my friend Capt. Gutherie, U. S. A. 
(since dead), Capt. E. O. Murden (Revenue Service), 
Lt. T. H. Stevens, U. S. N. We had a fair passage, 
rather warm, ship not clean or in good discipline. Ar- 
rived in New York in about 9 days, at the wharf North 
River, and landed about 2 p.m. 

April 13th. Went to Astor House with my uncle, 
Col. De Russy; found New York changed very much. 

April 14th, 8 a.m. Left for Washington; arrived at 
7 p.m. 

April 15th. Received orders to the Receiving Ship, 
to report at Philadelphia on the 26th instant. The i6th, 
went to Annapolis; found Emily and child well. i8th, 
left for Baltimore. 19th, left for New York. 21st, left 
for Boston ; arrived on the 22nd. Saw Mary, not well ; 
made arrangements for moving her South by the ist. of 
June. Left Boston on the 24th for New York; met a 
number of friends while in New York. Arrived at the 
Merchants' Hotel, North 4th St., Philadelphia, on the 
25th of April, 1857, and reported for duty on board of 
the U. S. Receiving Ship, Philadelphia, April 26th, 
1857, in obedience to my orders of the 15th instant. 
Borrowed $50.00 at Astor House, New York, which I 
returned on the 27th of April. 

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May I St. Getting acquainted with the city of Phila- 
delphia; meet many old acquaintances from different 
parts of the world. . . . 

May 4th. Kept my first duty on board of the U. S. 
Receiving Ship Princeton at Philadelphia Navy Yard. 
Comdr. W. S. Young, Leiuts. Peirce Crosby, Thos. 
[C] Harris, Watson Smith, and Joseph D. Blake. 

June ist. This month living at the Merchants' Hotel, 
4th Street, Philadelphia, keeping one day out of four, 
duty on board the Receiving Ship, leading the usual 
life of a bachelor in a city; renewed some old acquain- 
tances, visited the Thomsons in Wilmington, Delaware. 

June 15th, 1857. Have been on to New York, having 
written to my brother Horatio to bring Mary to the 
Astor House, New York. Found them, brought my 
sister to Philadelphia, secured rooms in Wilmington, 
Delaware, went to Annapolis, brought Emily, Mrs. W., 
child, nurse, & trunks, etc., to Wilmington, Delaware. 

Went to Philadelphia for Mary, back to Wilming- 
ton, left all together, and moved down myself to the 
Indian Queen Hotel, Main Street, Wilmington, Dela- 
ware, for summer quarters in the same town with my 
sister and "lady-love." 

June 28th. . . . When my day's duty comes, go up in 
cars on railroad to Philadelphia, remainder of the time 
at Wilmington. 

July 3rd. Ordered to Washington to attend the 
Court of Inquiry upon Commander Isaac S. Sterrett.^ 
Case left, remained there until the i8th, spent one day in 
Wilmington, went to ship on the 22nd, ordered with a 
draft of men for the U. S. Sloop of War Germantown 
to Norfolk, went down delivered the men all on board, 

1 See p. 272. 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Spent a day at Old Point Comfort, saw Mrs. De Russy 
and family, returned to Wilmington, then to ship, re- 
mainder of month usual routine and courting. August 
passes and has passed in attending to duty on the Re- 
ceiving Ship and living at Wilmington. Young lady 
willing, mother unwilling. 

August 29th. Hauled off because she would not 
choose between her mother and myself. 

September. Month passes with these events: Took 
Emily, child and nurse to Baltimore to live and left 
Indian Queen Hotel, Wilmington, for No. 723 San- 
some Street, Philadelphia. 

September 23rd. To room with Leiut. Jos. D. Blake. 
Usual routine of duty; felt rather distrait about the 
heart. 

October, 1857. Living in Sansome Street, attending 
to duty and making acquaintances in Philadelphia. 
Went to Wilmington for Mary, having sent for James, 
who had recently returned from Marseilles, to meet 
her; he went in Philadelphia at my rooms. They went 
to Boston, I remained at my station. Was ordered on 
to Wilmington in Leuit. Van R. Morgan's case, re- 
mained there a little over one week. Shortly after my 
return Lt. J. D. Blake, a particular friend of mine, was 
detached and ordered to the Supply Store Ship. Lt. T. 
C. Harris detached in August and Lt. J. B. McCauley 
ordered to Princeton. Changes were made from Preble 
to Princeton, Princeton to Jamestown, Jamestown back 
to U. S. Receiving Ship Princeton, each time transfer- 
ring officers and ship's company from ship to ship. 

November, 1857. Attached to the Receiving Ship 
Princeton, rooming in Sansome Street, visiting ladies 
seldom. A friend of mine, Lt. Edward Renshaw, died 
near my rooms of consumption. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

December, 1857. Dec. 2nd, went on to the wedding 
of Miss Sallie Clitz, sister of Capt. Adolphus De 
Russy's wife, at Fort Hamilton, had charge of the wed- 
ding entertainments; met Miss Lucy (of Wilmington, 
Del.), she was bridesmaid; only bowed to her. On the 
evening of the 5th, returned to Philadelphia. Re- 
mainder of the month passed without unusual events, 
attending to duty and having many Georgian and Vir- 
ginian acquaintances among gentlemen, making few 
acquaintances or visits with or to ladies in Philadelphia. 
Fall remarkably mild. 

January, 1858. Usual Receiving Ship duty and city 
life of a bachelor; weather unusually mild, almost like 
spring, no frost during the month. 

February, 1858. Receiving Ship duty, visiting a lit- 
tle more, attending the opera, finest Opera House in 
Philadelphia or one of the finest in the world — mild 
weather, except a few days heavy frost, when the Dela- 
ware River was nearly closed. About the 20th, went 
down in a steamer to Norfolk with a draft of 104 men 
for the Steam Frigate Colorado. Lt. [Wm. E.] Hop- 
kins, Watson Smith and myself in charge. Had to 
march the men across the ice in the Delaware to the 
Steamer; an ice boat ahead clearing the channel, ar- 
rived along side the U. S. Ship Pennsylvania^ at 4 p.m. 
Next day delivered the men, spent the night in Nor- 
folk; next day went to Old Point Comfort to see uncle 
De Russy, stayed one day and a half, found all well 
there, went up to Baltimore, arrived Sunday morning, 
saw my sister, Mrs. Wyman, left for Philadelphia and 
arrived there Sunday evening, having been absent a lit- 
tle over four days. 

March, 1858. More mild weather, frequent rain, 
1 Receiving ship at the Norfolk Navy Yard. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

duty the same at Receiving Ship, visiting occasionally 
among ladies, many Southern acquaintances in the city. 
Philadelphia society unsociable, like the city itself. Pay 
increased from $1050 per year to $1500; very pleasant 
change. 

March 30th. My youngest brother Horatio came on 
to live with me; commences his mental and worldly 
education. He rooms with me, is as tall as myself, fine 
looking man, and very glad of the opportunity to have 
him with me. 

April, 1858. Mild weather, rain nearly every day, 
same duty, time almost completely occupied with my 
brother Horatio; pretty hard task before me to bring 
him up to the standard I desire. Lt. J. B. McCauley 
detached from the Princeton. Leiut. J as. Stillwell 
joined, Lt. Watson Smith ordered to the Wabash, Lt. 
Stephen [P.] Quackenbush joined. Not time to visit 
much. 

May, 1858. Mild weather, much rain, duty the same. 
Horatio still with me, improving fast; devilish hard 
work for me, mentally and physically. Visited the 
Opera frequently during the winter and spring; not 
much visiting except to the De Courceys' in Arch 
Street, above 17th, and at the Morgans', No. 1135 
Girard Street. Many strangers, friends of mine, in 
town. Took a draft of men down to Washington Navy 
Yard for the Ordinance Practice Ship Plymouth, Lt. 
Quackenbush and myself in charge. On my return 
stopped in Baltimore to see my sister, found her well; 
did not see Lt. George [U.] Morris in Washington. 

June ist, 1858. Making preperations to move from 
my present lodging No. 723 Sansom to No. 727, on 
account of some impertinence of the landlady. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

June 2nd. Moved to Miss Catersons, No. 727, 
Horatio with me. Lt. Stillwell in the same house. 

June 5th. Received orders to report in Boston for a 
passage in the Barque Release on the loth instant, for 
duty in the African Squadron ; rather sudden. 

June 6th. Packed up on board the Princeton, said 
good bye, and left. 

June 7th. Went down to Baltimore in the 8 a.m. 
train, arranged matters for Mrs. Wyman, child, and 
nurse, said adieu and at 11 p.m. returned to Philadel- 
phia — tired, and weary. 

June 8th, Emily's birthday, Tuesday. Busily em- 
ployed in packing up for sea, in paying debts, arranging 
my private matters, and paying P. P. C. ; rather sad 
work. Horatio great assistance to me. My landlady 
very sorry to lose me so soon. Many pleasant acquaint- 
ances to part with in the city. 

June 9th, 1858. Last day in Philadelphia, a hot one 
and a remarkably busy one for me; not time enough to 
attend to all I wish. At 10.30 p.m., escorted by a num- 
ber of friends, left for the Kensington Depot, and at 
11.30 left Philadelphia behind me for New York. 
Stopped at the Astor House, left for Boston at 8 a.m. 
loth. Unusually warm in the cars, close and dusty; one 
woman killed by locomotive between Hartford and 
Springfield. At 6.15 arrived at the Winthrop House, 
Boston ; went over same evening to Navy Yard to report 
in obedience to my orders; what with Diarrhea, heat, 
loss of rest and fatigue, nearly worn out. 

June i8th. At 3 p.m. sailed in the U. S. Barque Re- 
lease for the coast of Africa via the Island of Madeira. 
The last eight days have been very busy ones; on the 
nth my brother James came to see me and remained 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

until we sailed. My baggage was behind, had to tele- 
graph for it, came near sailing without it, in fact, left 
my new hat, blue coat, black satin vest behind with 
Horatio in Philadelphia. My great coat with Mr. S. S. 
Kelley in Walnut Street, left my fur cap with Aunt 
Harriett at Longwood, met my old friend Mr. Geo. 
West of California, also Mr. Henry H. Holbrook, 
made the acquaintance of Mr. Frank Tinkham, mer- 
chant (his whiskey not good), India Wharf, Boston. 
My brother, H. H. Holbrook, Charles Downes and 
Geo. West came down to the ship with me and, all but 
Mr. Geo. West, went down outside the Boston light 
with me, and left in the Pilot boat at 5.30 p.m. At 
7 p.m. Minot's Ledge bore per compass W by S. Dis- 
tant 8 miles. At 1 1 p.m. Highland Light bore SW^S 
dist. 5 miles. At 11.30 made a vessel ahead, bore up, 
lujfed; the other vessel not being under proper control, 
we came into collision, striking her abaft the Port Main 
chains; remained foul about ten minutes, when her 
masts went by the Starboard board, the vessel broke in 
pieces and sank immediately; all hands saved by jump- 
ing on board of us. Found her to be the Brig Leontine, 
from Philadelphia bound to Salem, coal loaded; hove 
too at daylight, landed the master and crew of the Brig 
at their own request on Cape Cod. Found we had car- 
ried away flying Jibboom, Jibboom, bow^sprit shrouds 
and split the Foresail. 

June 19th. Employed repairing damages. At 3 p.m. 
lost sight of land, standing ESE with light variable 
wind ; at 5 p.m. Long. 69° 35' W, Lat. 41 ° 41' N. Cape 
Cod Dist 20 miles. 

June 2ist, 1858. U. S. Barque Release, Wm. A. 
Parker, Lt. Comdg. . . . Working between Georges 
and Nantucket shoals. . . . 

C220;] 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

July 5th. At 9 a.m. discovered the island of Corvo. 
. . . Passing the islands of Corvo and Flores of the 
Western group. ... 

July 1 8th. Light winds and baffling from the N to E, 
pleasant. Made the Island of Madeira. . . . 

July 2 1 St. Winds light, baffling and fresh from the 
N & E ; working up for Funchal. At 3 p.m. sent a boat 
with an officer to communicate with the consul at Fun- 
chal and employed towing. At 8.30 boat returned, 
made sail, and stood to the S &W. . . . 

July 25th. ... At 9 p.m. passed a large steamer 
standing to the N. . . . 

July 29th. Light from NE by N to N by W, pass- 
ing clouds; at daylight made the Island of Boavista 
[Cape Verde Islands], at daylight bearing NW. . . . 
Spoke the Brig Oste 103 days from Singapore bound to 
Falmouth, England. . . . 

July 30th. At daylight made the Island of Mayo on 
the Starb. beam. At 1 1 a.m. discovered vessels at 
anchor under the south side of the Island of Mayo — 
stood up towards them, found they were not vessels of 
war; kept away for Porto Praya, bearing per compass 
WSW. Distant 22 miles. 

July 31st. At 10 a.m. anchored off of the town of 
Porto Praya; found the Flag ship Cumberland and 
Sloop of war Dale at anchor, reported to Flag Oflicer 
T. A. Conover for duty, ordered to the Dale. 

August I St. Went on shore; usual appearance of a 
half Portuguese and Negro population combined. 

August 2nd. Joined the Dale for duty as 2nd Leuit. 
Court Martial in Session for the trial of Pd. Asst. Sur- 
geon W. Sherman ; in three watches, very warm weather 
and devilish disagreeable altogether. I find the climate 
very oppressive here. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

August 1 6th. The Cumberland sailed for the coast 
of Africa. Court-martial is over, Doctor dismissed the 
Squadron and Doctor Engles ordered to the ship. Of- 
ficers as follows: Commander Wm. [Mc] Blair, Leiuts. 
E. Lloyd Winder, F. G. Dallas, Hunter Davidson, A. 
B. Cummings and Wm. P. A. Campbell, Pd. Asst. Surg. 
[S.] A. Engles, Purser Jno. S. Cunningham, Asst Surg. 
R. C. Dean. 

August 17th. The U. S. Store Ship Release sailed 
for Boston; we are discharging two store ships. 

August 30th. Sailed to-day on a cruise down the 
coast. The Sloop of War Vincennes arrived from 
Madeira yesterday. I am becoming somewhat ac- 
climated, altho' still feeling the heat to be excessive. 

August 31st, 1858. At 9 A.M. got underweigh and 
stood to the Sd. Exercised at target practice at the great 
guns. . . . 

Septbr. 14th. Light winds from the S & W pleas. 
At 10.30 a.m. anchored off Cape Palmas in 9^ faths. 
of water, hard bottom. Cape Palmas light House bore 
East, dist. i^^ miles. Cape Palmas remained the 15th. 
A negro colony from Maryland, lazy people. Landing 
tolerable, but some surf. Can get vegetables and by 
waiting a couple of days to send to the country back of 
it, can get mutton, beef and poultry. Wind from NW 
to SSW in the fall of the year. 

Septbr. 1 6th. At 8.15 got underweigh and stood 
down the coast. . . . 

Septbr. 17th. Wind light and variable from SE to 
SW pleas. Sounded at intervals in from 'i^'j to 43 fath- 
oms of water, muddy water entering the gulf of 
Guinea. . . . 

Septbr. 1 8th. ... At 12.45 p.M. anchored in 20 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

fathoms muddy bottom. Coast in sight, River Sassan- 
dra bearing E by N. Native town of Drewin NE3^E 
per comp. Dist. about 5 miles. ... At 5.40 p.m. got 
under way and stood down the coast under light 
sail. . . . 

Septbr. 22nd. . . . Cape Three Points bore ENE. 
Dist. 10 miles. At 6.05 p.m. came too ofif the coast in 
21 fathoms of water, bottom soft mud. . . . 

Septbr. 23rd. Light SW and westerly winds pleas. 
At 8.15 got under way. At 3 p.m. the Dutch Fort at 
Elmina bore ENE. Dist. 7 miles. At 4.30 p.m an- 
chored in 7 faths., 60 fathoms chain, starb. sheet anchor. 
St. George's Castle (Dutch) bearing NN west and 
Cape Coast Castle E^S. Saluted the Dutch Flag with 
21 guns. Elmina 5° 05' N Lat. 1° 23' W Lg. I paid 
an official visit to Castle St. George and met the Gov- 
ernor, Col. Nachtglass (a pleasant gentleman) ; he 
answered our salute at once. 

Septbr. 24th. At anchor ofif Elmina, light SW winds 
pleas. Landing dififerent: at high and half tide go into 
the small creek in rear of the castle of St. George; at 
low tide, land at entrance of creek about 40 yards to sea- 
ward on the beach to the Eastward front of the "castle." 
Going in, steer for the Sardinian Consul's Flag stafif 
until the castle bears West by South. 

Septbr. 25th. Light variable winds from the S & W 
with passing clouds. Watering ship; no charge for it, 
very fair water. Good oranges at $9.00 per 1000. 

Septbr. 26th. . . . Received very fair fresh beef and 
vegetables for the crew. . . . 

Septbr. 28th. Light winds from the S & W and pleas, 
with light showers at intervals during the night. 

Septbr. 29th. Wind and weather the same. At 5.50 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

received on board the governor of Elmina for a passage 
to Akkra with a salute of 17 guns. 

Septbr. 30th. ... At 5. a.m. got underway and stood 
to the E. At 10.30 a.m. passed the English Fortification 
of Cape Coast Castle; at Meridian the old Fort at Nas- 
sau bore N W 1/2 W. At 1 1.30 p.m. came too in 13}^ 
faths. of water with 40 faths. chain; land 5 miles dist. 
Boarded several American trading vessels. ''Nota 
Buena" We received a great deal of civility and hos- 
pitality at Elmina from the Dutch officers. 

Octbr. I St. ... At 11.30 anchor off Akkra in 63^ 
faths. of water with 45 do of chains, hard bottom. An 
English & Dutch Fort here; exchanged salutes with 
both. The governor of Elmina left the ship under a 
salute of 17 guns. 

Octbr. 2nd. At anchor ofif Akkra; landing tolerable 
in canoes. The place has several trading stations, mostly 
for Gold, Ivory and Palm oil. . . . 

Oct. 4th. At 3 p.m. got underway with all plain sail, 
standing to the E ; at 4 p.m. passed Fort Christiansborg, 
a former Danish settlement, now an English one. Met 
a number of merchant vessels; much trade in the Gulf 
of Guinea and the Bight of Benin. 

Oct. 5th. The last few days pleasant weather; land 
winds at night, S W winds during the day, an occasional 
squall (a light tornado). Good anchorage all along in 
from 5 fathoms to 20 fathoms; sandy beach shelving. 
At 6.30 anchored in 1 1 fathoms, bottom soft mud, oppo- 
site the mouth of the Volta river. . . . 

Oct. 7th. . . . At 7.20 a.m. got underweigh. At 1.40 
p.m. came too off Kitta (JoUicoffe) in 7^}^ faths., hard 
bottom. Good place for poultry, ducks and yams. No- 
ticed a comet, size of a star of the second Magnitude. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Got water; must look out and try it before receiving in, 
will be brackish without. A real African village. 

Octbr. 8th. . . . Shifted our berth nearer in shore to 
6 f aths., hard bottom. Commenced watering by canoes. 
A number of vessels here trading for palm oil. 

Oct. 9th. . . . At 1 1.30 got underweigh, stood to the 
E. Received in toto 3000 gall, of water. At 6.50 
anchored off the coast in w^x faths. of water, hard bot- 
tom. Saw several sail. 

Octbr. loth. ... At 6 a.m. got underweigh, stood to 
the E, at 10.05 anchored off Aghwey in 8 faths., hard 
bottom. English flag in centre of town, bore N N E. 
Dist. two and a half miles. 

Bight of Benin. Aghwey. Oct. loth. Found nine 
vessels at anchor trading here. Heavy surf, did not 
land. I American, 3 dutch, 3 french, i Sardinian and 
I Portuguese vessel. 

Octbr. nth. At 11.30 a.m. got underweigh, wind 
and weather the same. At 6.30 anchored off Whydah, 
Kingdom of Dahomey, in 8 faths. hard bottom. Found 
six sail at anchor. Viz: French, Portuguese and Sar- 
dinian, passed Grand Popo. Comet visible to the N 
and W. 

Octbr. 1 2th. Wind and weather same, from S and W 
during the day, N and W at night. No boats sent on 
shore on account of surf. Whydah poultry, ducks, 
Guinea fowls, oranges, pineapples, watercresses, yams, 
sweet potatoes and beans, plenty and cheap. Com- 
mander would not wait long enough. Whydah was a 
great slave mart and it is believed that the trade is car- 
ried on clandestinly yet at night. 

Octbr. 13th, Whydah. Wind and weather the same. 
At 12.20 got underweigh. At 6.40 p.m. came too in 9 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

faths. hard bottom. Passed several vessels off the coast 
village of Appi. 

Octbr. 14th. ... At 6 a.m. got underway stood to 
the E, several vessels in sight. At 2.15 p.m. came too off 
Badagry. ... At 6 p.m. got underway and stood to 
the Sd. to sea under T. Gilt, sails with a wind from S W 
by W. Bight of Benin running for St. Thomas Island. 

Octbr. 15th. . . . In my watch, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 
a squall of wind and rain, moderate at the most, oc- 
curred. The Commander, Wm. McBlair, took all sail 
off the ship (U.S. Ship Dale) except the fore topmast 
staysail. In my remarks I wrote as follows: "On ac- 
count of a moderate squall of wind and rain." Com- 
mander McBlair writes at the bottom of the same page 
of the ship's rough log viz. as follows thus : 

"The above remarks that the Ship was reduced on 
account of a moderate squall of rain & wind are incor- 
rect. Upon going upon deck I observed a squall rising 
to leeward & called the attention of the officer of the 
deck to it; he stated it was a lee set. Observing more 
attentively, I found the clouds rising & showing a threat- 
ening appearance; on this account the sail was reduced, 
not on account of a moderate squall of rain & wind, the 
character of which was not ascertained until after it 
reached us; it proved to be moderate." 

(Signed) W. McBlair, 

Commander. 
Copy from the Ship's Log book. 

F. G. Dallas, 

Leiut. 

Oct. 1 6th. I added to my remarks from 3 p.m. to 6 
p.m., Oct. i6th, as follows, viz: "Ship under Fore Top- 
mast Stay Sail." . . . 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Octbr. 17th. ... At 3.15 p.m., or about that time, 
Commander Wm. McBlair sent the orderly to me say- 
ing that he, Comdr. McBlair, wanted to see me in the 
cabin. 1 went up and in the presence of the ist Leuit., 
Mr. Winder, he called my attention to the ship's rough 
log. I remarked I had added the words. Viz: "Ship 
under Fore Topmast Stay Sail." He said: "I suspend 
you Mr. Dallas for disrespect and for unofficer-like con- 
duct while at Elmina." I answered: "I had no inten- 
tion of disrespect, Sir," and left the cabin, going directly 
below to the Wardroom. 

Octbr. 1 8th. The Commander sent Lt. E. L. Winder 
to me saying that he, Commander Wm. McBlair, upon 
again reading my letter of yesterday's date, withdrew 
the charge of disrespect and that of the charge of un- 
officer-like conduct, he had not any right to take notice 
of a private conversation; he therefore restored me to 
duty. In explanation of this, Lt. Winder said, one 
evening while I was setting in the round house fore- 
ward, he heard two of the men talking about my exer- 
cising them at loosing and furling; that they, the men, 
thought I must be either crazy or drunk. This conver- 
sation he, Mr. Winder, mentioned to the Captain, but 
not to me untill I was restored to duty. 

Octbr. i8th, 1858. Working down for the Island of 
St. Thomas. . . . 

Octbr. 23rd. ... At 8 a.m. made Princes Island to 
the Ed. At 4.45 p.m. shortened sail to mizzen t. sail 
and Jib, standing in for West Bay, Princes Island. At 
7 anchored in 19 fathoms water about one mile from the 
beach, bottom soft mud. Watering place bore per com- 
pass S by E. 

Octbr. 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th. At anchor in Bay 
West, Princes Island. Water excellent, wood fair; can 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

lay within five hundred yards of the beach in lo fathoms 
of water. Alligator's Pears plenty, chickens $2.00 per 
doz., oranges, cocoanuts and a variety of Tropical fruits 
when in season. Port Antonio on the S E side of the 
Island, 3 hours distant to walk, 3h. and 30m. to go by 
boat, 2 hours to ride. This Island is excellent for wood 
and water, but not [a] healthy one. 

Octbr. 27th. At 3.45 p.m. stood out of West Bay, 
Princes Island, wind S & W, pleasant; ship's trim 21 
inches by the stern. . . . 

Novbr. 7th. . . . Passed the Island of Anna Bon 
[Annobon], being about five miles to the South'ard of it. 
This is a fine Island for wood, water, sheep, Beef, Poul- 
try, Oranges, Bananas, plaintains, pineapples, &c. Our 
Commander, like his usual stupidity, would not stop, 
without any cause, he having poultry enough. At 8 
Island of Anna Bon astern. . . . 

Novbr. i6th. . . . Current 16 to N W by W ^^ W; 
currents and tide rips from the Congo River, also float- 
ing Islands. 

Novbr. 17th. ... A number of doves flying ofif to 
the ship. . . . 

Novbr. 1 8th. . . . Current 15 miles W N W, cur- 
rents and tide rips. 

Novbr. 19th. Light winds from the S and W, pass- 
ing clouds; strong currents and floating Islands, reddish 
waters. Working down for St. Paul De Loanda past 
the Congo River. . . . 

Novbr. 20th. ... At 6.30 came too ofif the coast in 
22 fathoms of water. 

Novbr. 2 1 St. . . . At 5 a.m. got underweigh. . . . 

Novbr. 24th. ... At 7 p.m. Standing in for Bango 
[Mbengu] Bay, St. Paul De Loanda in sight. . . . 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

At 9 p.m. came too off Cape Lagosta in i8 faths of wa- 
ter; the coast high, of white sand or marl. . . . 

Novbr. 25th. At anchor in Loanda Bay; at 4.40 a.m. 
got underweigh with light land breeze from the E. At 
7.20 anchored in 16 fathoms of water in Loanda Bay 
about one and a half miles from the town. H.B.M. 
Steamer Hecla at anchor in the Bay, also a Portuguese 
Sloop of War. . . . 

At anchor in Loanda Bay, Novbr. 26th, 1858. . . . 
Employed watering, wooding, and taking in sand for 
ballast. Wood good. Water fair; have to get our bread 
baked and can only get about 200 lbs of bread per day. 

Novbr. 27th. Land and Sea breeze, former light, lat- 
ter moderate, climate damp and sultry. . . . 

Novbr. 29th. . . . Employed in wooding and water- 
ing ship, also in taking in sand ballast. Climate I think 
unhealthy. Loanda is a large town of Portuguese Build. 
Chickens at $4.50 per doz, fish plenty, irish potatoes 
$1.00 per aroba of 32 lbs. are good, onions from Portu- 
guese vessels from Lisbon. St. Paul De Loanda is the 
largest European settlement upon the Southwest coast 
of Africa. 

Novbr. 30th. Employed getting ready for sea. At 6 
p.m. got underweigh and stood to the N bound to the 
Congo River. 

Decbr. ist. . . . Standing to the N and W. . . . 

Decbr. 2nd. . . . Running along the land, sounding 
in from 14 to 19 fathoms. Passed an English Man of 
War boat. At 6 p.m. anchored in 7 fathoms off Point 
Padrone [Padrao], South Cape of the Congo River, an 
excellent anchorage. . . . 

Decbr. 3rd. . . . Land breeze from the S and E. At 
5.30 got underweigh and into the Congo River for 

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Shark's point. At 8.10 anchored in 12 fathoms. A 
strong current of about five. At 10.55 ^•"^- stood in with 
the sea breeze. At 11.50 anchored in 8^/2 fathoms, 
Shark's point distant 3 miles; furled sails. The Congo 
reminds me of some of our own large rivers, sweeps 
into the Atlantic with a heavy current carrying with it 
large floating islands of grass, trees, bamboo, etc., which 
are sometimes met over a hundred miles at sea. We did 
not meet any men of war at anchor or cruising. 

Decbr. 4th. At anchor in Congo River near Shark's 
point. At 9.15 got underweigh, tiding down the Congo. 
At I p.m. Sea breeze set in strong, crossing the Congo 
River with Stud'gs, steering about NE by N, got sound- 
ings on the Mona Mozea bank in 5}^ faths. ; hauled ofif 
N N W, a large ship standing into the river. At 7 p.m. 
anchored off Kabinda in 12 fathoms of water. 

Decbr, 5th. ... At 3 p.m. got underweigh. At 6 
come too off Kabinda, distant about 5 miles. . . . 

Decbr. 6th. At anchor off Kabinda. Poultry are 
cheap, about $2.00 per dozen. Eggs 25 cts. per dozen. 
Pineapples and other fruits; bottles can be traded with. 
... At anchor off Kabinda North bank of the Congo 
River. 

Decbr. 7th. ... At 6.40 a.m. got underweigh and 
stood to the N and W. At 8 p.m. Anchored in 19 
fathoms of water off the coast. 

Decbr. 8th. . . . Passed an English Man of War 
Brig and Steamer. ... At 2 p.m. passing Loango, a 
french settlement. Saw a store vessel at anchor. . . . 

Decbr. loth. . . . Standing along the coast to the N 
and W on soundings. . . . 

Decbr. 22nd. Moderate winds from South to S by 
W, first part pleas., latter overcast with showers of rainy 

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weather, changing, somewhat like the usual weather in 
crossing the line to the W. Lt. Obs. i ° 46' N. Lg. C. 1 2° 
44' W. Lt. D. R. I ° 28' N. Lg. D. R. 12° 36' W. Current 
20 miles N N W 54 W. 

Decbr. 23rd. Light and variable winds from South 
to S E by S, passing clouds with rain squalls, appear- 
ances of the Doldrums, or trade winds ; evidently we are 
on the edge of some steady current of wind. . . . Cur- 
rent 40 miles to the W. Our chances for a passage to 
Porto Praya are good, say 12 days. . . . 

January ist, 1859. Light and moderate winds from 
N E by E ^ E to N E ^ N, pleas with passing clouds. 
Lat. Obs. 10° 09', D. R. 10° o/. Lg. C. 18° 32', D. R. 
18° 3/. 

January 2nd. . . . Current 13 miles to the S and E. 
Running for the Island of St. Jago, Porto Praya. . . . 

January 9th. At 4 a.m. stood to the W under double 
reefed [topsails] and Courses. Island of Mayo in sight 
to the N. Stood for the Island of St. lago. At 9.45 
anchored in the harbor of Porto Praya; found the Flag 
ship Cumberland and sloop of war Marion at anchor. 
Our passage has been forty days via the coast from St. 
Paul De Loanda. 

Jan. loth. At anchor off Porto Praya. Leiut. Camp- 
bell was detached and ordered to the Marion Sloop of 
War. She sailed for Porto Grande for the mail. From 
January loth to January 24th inclusive, fresh N E 
trades. . . . Cool enough for thick clothes, pleasant. 
Got the Dale ready for sea. The U. S. Marion returned. 

Jan. 2qth. Was detached from the Dale by Flag 
Ofhcer T. A. Conover and ordered to the U. S. Sloop 
of War Marion, notwithstanding all my endeavors 
against it, the Flag officer promising to relieve me if an 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

officer came out to the station or to send me home in the 
first prize taken by the Marion, all of which I place 
little confidence [in], expecting to be detained out here 
at least a year longer. Mais nous verrons. 

Jan. 25th, 1859. On board U. S. Sloop of War 
Marion off Porto Praya. Reported for duty this morn- 
ing, Tuesday, and came on board this evening, disgusted 
with the change on account of the longer detention on 
the coast of Africa. 

Jan. 26th. The Dale went to sea today, my old ship ; 
fresh N E trades, pleasant. Got everything ready for 
sea. Feel like a cat in a strange garret. Sent a renewal 
of my allotment by the Brig Julia Ford bound to Boston, 
to run one year from June, 1859, for Mary, payable to 
Wm. C. Tyler, Esq., No. 28 State Street, Boston, Mass. 

January 27th, Thursday, U. S. Sloop of War Marion. 
We got underweigh at i p.m., the Flag ship having left 
at II a.m. At 10 p.m. we passed the Cumberland a 
little to leeward. The ship carries her canvass well and 
I think is a well disciplined and happy ship ; small, like 
all third class Sloops of War. Pleasant with passing 
clouds, wind fresh and moderate from E N E. . . . 

Febr. 14th. ... At 10.30 p.m. anchored in West 
Bay Princes Island. 

Feb. 19th. At I p.m. got underweigh under royals 
and flying Jib. Wind mod. from S and W; stood to 
Eastward and S and E of Princes Island. 

Febr. 20th. Wind mod. and light from the S and W, 
cloudy at 9.30 a.m., land in sight to the E. The Island 
of Corisco at meridian bore S S E, working up for it. 
At 10 p.m. came too off Island of Corisco. . . . 

Febr. 21st and 22nd. At anchor to the W of Corisco 
Island. . . . 

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Febr. 23rcl. ... At 9 a.m. got underweigh under 
royals. . . . 

Febr. 24th. ... At 9 a.m. made the Island of Fer- 
nando Po bearing per comp. N E by N. . . . 

Febr. 26th. . . . Standing for Fernando Po anchor- 
age at Clarence Bay at 1 1.45. At 8 Cape BuUer bore E 
%. S. Peak of Fernando Po S S E. Anchored in 32 
faths. of water. . . . 

Febr. 27th. At anchor in Clarence Bay, Island of 
Fernando Po. Shifted our berth nearer to the harbor. 
Two Spanish, one French, and one English Man of 
War at anchor (two of them steamers), and exchanged 
salutes with the Spanish authorities; anchored in 16 
faths. water, muddy bottom. 

Febr. 28th, March ist, 2nd. Weather pleasant with 
occasional thunder showers, wind light from S and W 
and var. Watered ship; good place also for wood, but 
not for provisions or vegetables. An English and Span- 
ish colony of blacks, formerly English, but now under 
Spanish rule. 

March 3rd, 1859. At 10. a.m. got underweigh and 
stood to the Ed. of Fernando Po Island. . . . 

March 7th. ... At 7 o'clock p.m. anchored off Co- 
risco Island. . . . 

March 8th. . . . At 11. a.m. went to sea working to 
the S and W. 

March 9th. . . . At 9.30 p.m. came too off the Mouth 
of the Gaboon [Gabun] river. . . . 

March loth. . . . Worked up the Gaboon river; 
anchored once. At 4 p.m. came too off the French set- 
tlement. A French war steamer at anchor. 

March nth, 12th, 13th, 14th. At anchor in Gaboon 
River, employed painting and watering ship. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

March 15th. At 6 a.m. got underweigh and stood 
down the Gaboon river. . . . 

March i6th. Wind light and moderate pleasant with 
a tornado, varied from Wd. to S and Wd. and N and 
Ed. The conductor was struck at the main truck and 
shivered it in several places. Working down the west 
coast of Africa from Gaboon River to Lovoga. The 
lightning went into the sea along side. . . . 

March i8th. ... At daylight off Cape Lopez dis- 
tant about 10 miles. . . . 

March 21st. ... At 11.40 p.m. anchored with the 
streamer [stream anchor] in 40 fathoms of water. . . . 

March 23rd. Variable winds and calm. At 5.30 
a.m. anchored with streamer in 26 faths. of water. 
Thunder & lightning and occasional showers weighed 
and came too several times during the 24 hours. . . . 

March 24th. Calm and var winds. Came too as oc- 
casion required with stream. . . . 

March 25th. . . . Exercised at a target with the great 
guns. At 8 a.m. got underweigh. At 9 P.M. came too 
in 16 faths. . . . 

March 26th. ... At 7.30 a.m. got underweigh, 
working up for Mayumba, looked into the bay. . . . 

March 27th. Calm and var. winds from S and Ed. 
and Sd. An English steamer of war in company under 
sail. At 6.30 p.m. anchored with stream in 1 1 faths. . . . 

March 28th. ... At 9 a.m. weighed anchor. . . . 
At 7.45 p.m. came too N of Loango Bay in 8 fathoms. 

March 29th. ... At 10 a.m. weighed. At 2.30 p.m. 
came too in Loango Bay, Lat. 4° 39' S. 

March 30th. ... At 6 p.m. H. B. M. Conflict an- 
chored near us. 

March 31st, April ist. . . . Watered ship at Loango, 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

a fine Lagoon; and an English and french Factory lo- 
cated here. 

April 3rd. ... At 8 weighed and stood in for Ka- 
binda. At 9 came too off Kabinda in 4J/> fathoms of 
water. 

April 4th. At anchor off Kabinda, land and sea 
breezes, pleas. Good place for provisions. 

April 5th. ... At 5 a.m. weighed. Stood for the 
Congo. Crossed the Congo River and stood in against 
a four and five Knot current. At 10 p.m. anchored off 
Shark's point, Congo river, in 6^/2 fathoms of water, an 
American ship near us. 

April 6th. At anchor off Shark's point Congo river, 
sent letters by the John Gilpin, one of the Silva and 
Sparhawk's vessels of St. Paul de Loanda. 

April 7th. Got underweigh working out of the Congo 
river. At 8 p.m. anchored under Point Padrone [Pa- 
drao] ; anchor did not hold although 50 fathoms of 
chain were veered; by the time it was bore up we had 
drifted in with the eddy current nearly to Shark's point 
and then out of the river under sail. I should anchor 
close under the point. 

April 8th. Bound for St. Paul de Loanda. Lat. 6° 
35'. At noon land 10 miles distant. 

April 9th. At sea, Lat. 7° 45'. Weather rainy. 
Chased a Bark. She got clear of us during a squall. 

April loth. At 5.30 p.m. We anchored in Loanda 
Bay. 

From April loth to April i6th. At 4 p.m. at anchor 
in Loanda Bay. Heard news of the Bark we chased on 
the 9th instant; she was taken and towed by H. B. M. 
Steamer Triton. Left Loanda Bay at 4 p.m. bound to 
Congo River. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

April i6th, Saturday. Sunday at sea ; spoke and com- 
municated with H. B. M. Steamer Conflict. 

Tuesday morning, April 19th. Congo River distant 
about 9 miles. We were boarded by the chief mate of 
the Amercan Bark Orion, taken by the English Steamer 
Triton and at anchor in the Congo River. Captain 
Brent boarded the Orion, overhauled her, and sent 
Leuit. Campbell to take charge of her. 

April 20th. Employed overhauling the American 
Bark Orion. 

April 2 1 St. Detached from the U. S. Ship Marion 
and ordered to take command of the American prize 
Barque Orion, John E. Hanna, late Master, Thomas 
Morgan, Chief Mate, Thos. Carolan, 2nd do., Jonathan 
Brown, Steward, John Williams, 2nd Cook, Henry 
Wilson Lea, Richard Welsh, Herman Bracker, Wil- 
liam Fisher, Geo. A. Paul, Rob't Horn, Wm. C. Stew- 
art and John Williams, Seamen, Super cargo Tristan 
P. Carhan, as prisoners to be taken to the United States 
and given up to the U. S. Marshall of New York. 
Leuit. Wm. P. A. Campbell, Edw. Wright (Capt. F. 
Top), Chas. Weeks (Capt. F. Top), James Smith, 
James Bowers, Wm. McMillen (Lds.), Jas. Cooper 
(O.S.), Quartermaster Chas. Lutz, John Thorn, Allan 
Capps and John Wilson (O.S.), Wiley Randall (Lds.), 
Private Marines Rogers, News and Conover. Sent 
Chas. Lutz (Qr. M.) on the Marion for being drunk, 
confined Wm. McMillen in double irons for being 
drunk; employed in watering ship and getting ready for 
sea. 

April 22nd, Bark Orion, Congo River. Employed 
fitting up accommodations for prize crew and in secur- 
ing cargo of vessel, also in getting ready for sea. Chas. 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

Lutz was sent on board from the U. S. ship Marion dis- 
rated to seaman for bad conduct and drunkeness. Ves- 
sel drifted about two ship's length ; veered to 45 fathoms 
of chain, brought up in 7^ fathoms of water. 

April 23rd. Employed getting ready for sea. At 7 
p.m. reported the prize Bark Orion under my command 
ready for sea to Commander T. W. Brent, having on 
board 2700 gallons of water, also rations from the 
Marion for 14 men for a period of 90 days of the follow- 
ing articles: sugar, tea and cheese. 

Sunday, April 24th. Prize Bark Orion, Congo 
River. Waiting for sailing orders. 

April 25th. Congo River, Shark's pt. bearing East, 
distant one mile. At 9 a.m. went on board the U. S. 
Ship Marion; received my instructions from Com- 
mander Brent. At 11.40 got underway under topsails, 
stood down the river, secured the anchor, and made all 
plain sail on the Port tack. Left the U. S. S. Marion 
with Prize Bark Emma Lincoln, Master Palmer, 85 
days from New York, in charge ; also the Bark Ardenne 
from Jacksonville, Florida, in charge of Lt. Morris and 
a boats crew, standing into the River; the latter vessel 
not searched. H. B. M. Steamer Triton at anchor in 
the river and H. B. M. Steamer Pluto steaming in. At 
4 p.m. lost sight of land. At 3 p.m. took my departure 
from Shark's point, bore per compass E S E. Distant 
about 14 miles. ... At 10 and 11 p.m. tacked ship, 
light winds and pleas, from S and Wd. 

April 26th, 1859. Prize Bark Orion at sea. . . . 
Dist. run per Obs. 90 miles. Overhauled the arms, 
cleaned ship thoroughly above deck, watched and quar- 
tered the men. The merchant crew of the Prize under 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

my command volunteered to assist in working ship, al- 
lowed them under restrictions. . . . 

April 27th. Served the second barrel of bread the 
first to be charged on the 21st inst. . . . 

April 28th. Pleasant moderate winds from South to 
S W ; braced the upper yards in a point to lessen her lee- 
way. . . . Working for the Latitude of the Island of 
Ascencion. 

April 29th. Pleasant, moderate winds from South to 
S W by S. . . . At Mer. Lat. Obs. 7° 24' S, Lg. C. 
2° 56' E, Lt. D. R. 7° 29', Lg. D. R. 2° 54'; leeway >4 
pt., var. 2 pts. westerly. Distances run on the day be- 
tween Meridian April 25th, 1859, and April 26th: per 
log 79 miles, per Obs. 90 miles; 26th and 27th, between 
Meridians: per log 140 miles, per Obs. 167 miles; 27th 
and 28th: per log 153, per Obs. 171 miles. (Remark — 
I find the ship has been underlogged; we have no log- 
line nor glass, and must estimate her speed) . Dist. run 
per log 153 miles, per Obs. 156 miles. . . . Set the port 
Foretopmast Studgl. 

April 30th. Wind from South to S S W. Pleasant; 
rigged a Main T. Gilt, sail with a Jack yard as a lower 
studgl. . . . 

May I St. Set the Port lower studgls. At 10 mustered 
the prize crew and the crew of the Barque; all ac- 
counted for. These 24 hours pleasant with passing 
clouds, wind from S by W to S S E. . . . Dist. per log. 
184 miles. Dist. per Obs. 197 miles. Shark's point, 
Congo River, Dist 945 miles. Island of Ascencion Dist. 
680 miles. . . . 

May 2nd. Filled two 150 gallon casks with salt 
water forward to trim ship. Moderate winds from the 
S and pleasant with passing clouds. . . . 



PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

May 5th. ... At 6 a.m. made the Island of Ascen- 
cion one pt. on the starboard bow, bearing N W by W. 
Dist. 38 miles; at Meridian standing for the anchorage 
on the N W side of Ascencion. At i p.m. hove too to 
leeward of the anchorage (S E trade wind blowing). 
At 1.20 sent Leuit. W. P. A. Campbell with a boat to 
obtain the correct Longitude. At 2.30 Lt. C. returned, 
hoisted up the boat and made all sail on our cruise, 
steering W N W, wind S E. Lt. Campbell found the 
chronometer i m. 26 sec. fast of Greenwich time, its rate 
5 seconds and 3 tenths per day gaining; our longitude 
was 15 miles too far to the Westward. At 2.40 p.m. got 
sights for Chron. also at 4 p.m. our position. At 4 p.m. 
the Flag stafif at Ascencion Island bore E S E per com- 
pass. Distant 16 miles. Long. C. at 4 a.m. 14° 39' 15''. 
Long, per bearings 14° 52'. Lg. D, R. 15° i r W. . . . 

May 7th, 1859. . . . Congo River, Shark's point, 
distant 2040 miles, an average of 170 miles per day for 
the last 12 days. . . . Spoke the Barque Chinsura from 
London bound to Calcutta. At 10 a heavy rain squall 
from E by N. . . . 

May loth. During these 24 hours light and mod. S E 
trade with rain squalls. . . . Dist. per log 151 miles; 
altered the course to N W in order to cross the line in 
34° West Longitude. Lat. D. R. at 8 p.m. 5° 43'; Lg. 
D. R. at Do. 28° 23'. Set up the back stays fore and 
aft. ... 

May 1 2th. . . . Lat. by Sumner at 2 p.m. 4° 17' S, 
Lg. Do. 31° 34', . . . Lg. by bearings of the Island of 
Fernando deNoronha at 6.20 p.m. . . . 32° 06', Lt. per 
bearing 4° 09^ . . . Island 2 miles Dist., steering N by 
W. ... At 1 1 p.m. the Island of Fernando de No- 
ronha. Middle, bore per compass S W by S. . . . 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

May 15th. Variable winds with rain. At 10 mus- 
tered crew and prisoners; all accounted for. Spoke an 
English Bark from Bahia. . . . 

May 1 6th., 1859. These 24 hours variable winds with 
rain at intervals. . . . Lat. Obs. at Meridian 00° 00' 
00'' (on the equator), Lg. C. 34° 04' 00'' West. Dist. 
per log 56 miles. Dist. per Obs. 43 miles. . . . New 
York City bore per Mercator's, N 42° 05' W. Distant 
3250 miles. We are 21 days from the Congo River to 
crossing the line in 34° 04' West Longitude. . . . 

May 25th. At 10.30 p.m. John E. Hanna, the late 
master of the Bark Orion (of which I have command as 
a prize) , Departed this life. He has been sick since we 
left the Congo River on the 21st of April last; a broken 
constitution, excessive use of medicine on the passage 
out from New York, anxiety of mind amounting to the 
worst species of Hypocondria, fear of the result of his 
trial, all combined to exhaust his system both bodily and 
mentally, so that he died from sheer exhaustion of his 
natural functions, and from a determination on his own 
part to give up without an attempt to regain his strength. 
Altogether a most remarkable case and one which as- 
similates to what is called a broken heart. Every atten- 
tion both in regard to diet, medicine, and nursing was 
paid to him. I left him in possession of his own state- 
room and personal property. . . . 

May 26th. Calm, cloudy, variable airs, with occa- 
sional rain. At 8 a.m. laid the main topsail to the mast, 
called all hands to "bury the dead," read the Episcopal 
ritual for burial, and consigned the Mortal remains of 
the late Master of this Bark to the Deep. At 8.10 filled 
away upon our course. . . . Took a careful inventory 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

of the effects of the late Master John E. Hanna and 
locked them up. . . . 

May 28th. . . . Dist. per log 180 miles; heavy swell, 
a crate of crockery got adrift in the Main hold, ship 
very uneasy. 8 p.m. Lt. D. R. 11° 55' Lg. D. R. 47° 06' 
brought the sails to the yards afresh and repaired the 
Main Royal and F. S. Studgls. . . . 

June 2nd. During these 24 hours moderate trade 
winds from the N and Ed. and pleasant. . . . Lat. Obs. 
22° 11' North; the Decclination at Meridian was the 
exact latitude, the altitude being 89° 48'; the correction 
it! +, making the sun exactly vertical at Meridian. . . . 
Distance per log 187 miles. Distance ran per Obs. 194 
miles. New York Distant 1380 miles about N W by 
N. . . . 

June 5th. ... At II a.m. Boarded the Schooner 
Quid Nunc from Porto Rico bound to Bermuda 
Island. . . . 

June loth. . . . During these 24 hours ist part calm, 
latter part light winds from the Sd. and Wd. pleasant. 
(Note. The water of the vessel getting bad owing to 
the casks having been spirit casks, trying to purify and 
correct it with alum.) . . . 

June nth. During these 24 hours until 10 a.m. mod- 
erate winds from the Sd. & Wd. with passing clouds, 
from 10 to Mer. squally with rain, evidences of the gulf 
stream, at Meridian calm. . . . Dist. per log 133 miles. 
Dist. per estimated Lat. and Long. Chron. 131 miles. 
Got into the gulf [stream] about 2 p.m.; calm, and at 
4 a.m. breeze from the E N E, squally weather. . . . 

June i2th. I think we got out of the gulf about 6 
a.M. . . . 

June 13th. During these 24 hours pleasant with light 

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PAPERS OF FRANCIS GREGORY DALLAS 

haze, wind from N E to S E. . . . Sounded in 35 fath- 
oms of water bottom grey sand ; find the estimated error 
of chronometer to be i ° to the Westward, therefore the 
Long. D. R. is 74° 38' instead of 75° 38'. At midnight 
hauled ofif the land one point. 

June 14th. At 4 a.m. hauled up for the land N by E 
^ E. At 7.30 a.m. received on board a pilot from New 
York. At Meridian find by Barnegat Lighthouse that 
the chronometer is 1° 13' in error. Since leaving 
Island of Ascencion the error is to the westw^ard, a total 
error of 9 m. 47 sec. since leaving the Congo River, and 
a difference since leaving the Island of Ascencion, a 
period of 29 days, of 4 m. 52 sec. gained, or i ° 13' West. 
At Meridian Lat. D. R. 39° 48', Lat. by Obs. of Barne- 
gat Light 39° 46^ Lg. by face of Chron. 75° 09', by 
D. R. 73° 56' W. Ascertained errors above, standing 
along the coast for Sandy Hook. Dist. per Obs. 175 
miles. . . . 

Went to the Astor House on the evening of the 14th 
of June, directly after securring the Prize Bark Orion 
at the Navy Yard. . . . 



C242;] 



APPENDIX 



APPENDIX 

CRUISE OF THE DECATUR 
By Commodore Thomas S. Phelps, U. S. Navy 

[Among the officers of the U. S. Sloop-of-war Deca- 
tur on her cruise to the Pacific, 1 854-1 857, was Passed 
Midshipman Thomas S. Phelps, acting master and pro- 
moted to lieutenant during the voyage. On her outward 
passage from Hampton Roads the Decatur cast anchor 
in the harbor of Rio de Janeiro August 27, 1854, and at 
this point we begin to quote from Commodore Phelps's 
narrative.] 

EIGHTY-THREE DAYS IN THE STRAIT OF MAGELLAN, 

ON BOARD THE UNITED STATES 

SHIP DECATUR, 1854-55-^ 

As no ship of the Decatur's class had ever sailed from 
east to west through the Strait of Magellan, — several 
having failed in attempting it, — and to settle existing 
doubts regarding this passage in the interests of com- 
merce, in addition to personal preferences, and also "to 
afford exercise and excitement to those under him," as 
required by his instructions. Captain Sterrett decided 
upon making an effort to reach the Pacific by this route, 
and while in port all obtainable information regarding 
that body of water was collected and carefully digested ; 
1 The United Service, March, 1883. 
[245] 



APPENDIX 

and the arrival of the United States steamer Massachu- 
setts, on September 9, also en route to the Pacific, re- 
moved any uncertainty, if any existed, as to the feasibil- 
ity of the undertaking, as by sailing in company any 
serious impediments arising under canvas could be over- 
come by the steam generated in the boilers of that vessel. 
Therefore it was decided that the two ships should re- 
main together until their arrival in the western ocean, 
designating certain positions along the coast for ren- 
dezvousing in case of separating. 

Both vessels being ready for sea, on September 21 the 
Massachusetts took her consort in tow, and when clear 
of the land cast off the hawsers, hauled fires, triced up 
the propeller, and the two ships made sail, standing to 
the southward in company. 

September 22 commenced with a moderate southeast 
gale, accompanied by heavy rain-squalls, and during the 
early evening, while making the ship snug for the night 
by triple reefing the topsails and sending down the pole 
topgallant-masts, the steamer was reported as "keeping 
away" ; and while endeavoring to ascertain her object 
for so doing, a rain-squall suddenly hid her from view, 
and supposing she had borne away to ease the topgal- 
lant-masts in her effort to strike them, the Decatur's 
helm was put a-weather to avoid separating, and occa- 
sional guns fired to indicate her position; but the rain 
continuing and no response being made, in half an hour 
she was brought to the wind again to avoid a lee shore. 
The weather having cleared during the night, and the 
Massachusetts not visible at daylight, sail was made for 
the first point of rendezvous; but not finding her there 
or at any of the designated places, the Decatur pursued 
her way alone towards the strait, encountering only a 

[246] 



APPENDIX 

few hours of dirty weather while passing the Rio de la 
Plata. . . . 

At 9 A.M., October 13, the weather being favorable 
and the wind westerly, the ship filled and stood to the 
southward, giving Cape Virgin a berth of two and a 
quarter miles (passing it in ten fathoms of water), and 
two hours later the Decatur had rounded Dungeness 
and was fairly in the eastern entrance to the Strait of 
Magellan, when the wind failing, she drifted in some 
five or six miles with a flood-tide, and about the same 
distance out again on the P.M. ebb. Thus commenced 
one of the most persistent, determined, desperate strug- 
gles ever entered into by a ship against the elements, 
and her failure in achieving a triumphant success was 
due solely to a difference of twelve inches in the trim, 
she being on an even keel, or by the head, instead of a 
foot or more by the stern. In the former condition the 
Decatur was dull and heavy in her movements, but in 
the latter few vessels could surpass her in working to 
windward. 

Throughout the day huge columns of smoke ascended 
from the high lands forming Cape Espiritu Santo in 
Tierra del Fuego. A similar unexplained phenomenon 
in Magellan's time furnished a name for this desolate 
and uninteresting country. At midnight a breeze 
springing up with the flood, course was laid for Cape 
Possession, the vessel keeping in forty fathoms water, 
and at daylight that promontory bore northeast four 
miles away on the starboard quarter; and while stand- 
ing towards Narrow Bank (any approach to Orange 
Bank being readily indicated by the lead) the water 
suddenly shoaled from twenty-one to six fathoms, and 
after several stretches in from five to six fathoms the 

1:2473 



APPENDIX 

ship succeeded in regaining the channel, when the 
stream anchor was let go in twenty-one fathoms to await 
the flood-tide, which, it is said, rises twenty-seven feet 
in this neighborhood. At 3 P.M. a light northeast 
breeze rising with the incoming tide, the ship weighed 
anchor and passed the First Narrows with port stud- 
ding-sails set, while the solemn penguins, standing on the 
rocky clififs, grimly viewed the novel spectacle of a war- 
ship disturbing the solitude of these inland Patagonian 
waters. The wind dying out soon after leaving the nar- 
rows, good anchorage was found in fourteen fathoms 
about two miles from Barancas' Bluff, where the cur- 
rent did not exceed two and a half knots on either tide, 
— reported to rise eighteen feet on one side of St. 
Philip's Bay and t\venty-seven on the other, — and across 
which, and north of Triton Bank, the ship sailed on the 
15th, and anchored in seventeen fathoms (on clay bot- 
tom covered with shells) , abreast of the sand-hills form- 
ing Cape Gregory. . . . 

On the 1 8th, the weather being unusually fine, the 
Second Narrows were soon cleared, when a sudden gale 
from the west\vard drove the ship back to leeward of 
Cape Gregory, where, in half an hour after anchoring, 
she was plunging her three head-booms under "at every 
jump." At six o'clock on the following morning, with 
favorable weather, the ship, without difficulty, passed 
the narrows from which she was driven the previous 
evening, and entered Royal Roads, when the wind head- 
ing and falling light, she sagged over towards Oazy 
Harbor, where the anchor was let go in seven and a half 
fathoms. . . . 

The next morning, soon after leaving Laredo Bay, in 
consequence of the lead indicating a shoal not laid down 

1:248: 



APPENDIX 

on the chart, the anchor was dropped "under foot," and 
an extensive bank, with from three to five fathoms on it, 
carefully examined. This accomplished and night ap- 
proaching, the ship returned to her last anchorage, and 
on the following day succeeded in working to the south- 
ward about six miles, and "came to" in Catalina Bay. 
On the ensuing morning the barometer stood at 28.88 
inches, notwithstanding the weather continued remark- 
ably fine throughout the day. With light head-winds 
prevailing, the ship beat to within three miles of Sandy 
Point, when the breeze failing, the anchor was let go in 
seventeen and a half fathoms, about three-quarters of a 
mile from the shore, and abreast of where the country 
commences to be thickly wooded. 

At this period the barometer was considered of little 
use in the Cape Horn region ; but long before the Deca- 
tur entered the Pacific I became satisfied that by sub- 
stituting 29.50 inches for the zero instead of 30 inches, 
and with due regard to the probabilities in the neigh- 
boring reaches, its reliabilty would seldom be ques- 
tioned. It is not unusual to be riding with good 
weather and but little wind in one reach while a tem- 
pest is raging in another only a few miles away, and of 
whose proximity the glass invariably gives notice, 
although the observer may be in utter ignorance of the 
fact. A ship may be driving under "bare poles" in one 
channel, and on turning into another, deviating only a 
few points in its direction, suddenly find herself be- 
calmed. This was by no means an unusual occurrence 
during the Decatur's buffetings in these waters. 

On the 27th, the wind being ahead, the ship worked 
to the southward of Sandy Point, and anchored near the 
Chili Settlement. . . . 

1:249] 



APPENDIX 

On the 31st the ship was again under way, and after 
"hard beating" for thirty-six hours, the wind heading 
on both tacks and furious "williwaws" frequent, she 
reached Port Famine, where there is a snug harbor, 
plenty of game, driftwood, excellent drinking water, 
procured from shallow wells dug in the beach above 
tide-mark, and the ruins of the old settlement. . . . 

November 4 found the Decatur once more out in the 
strait braced for a struggle, of the nature of which her 
people fortunately had no conception. Through thick 
weather, heavy rains, and fierce squalls, steadily she 
fought her way past Point Isidro, the southeastern base 
of Mount Tarn, a snow-covered mountain two thousand 
six hundred and two feet high, and afterwards over the 
ground where the Atlantic and Pacific tides meet and 
separate. By 6 P.M. she had battled her way into the 
Bay of St. Nicholas, seven miles eastward from Cape 
Froward, — a grand, high, abrupt promontory, forming 
the extreme southern end of the continent, and the inter- 
mediate point between the two oceans. The following 
day being too unfavorable for moving, sickly attempts 
were made to explore De Gennes River and the neigh- 
boring shores, resulting only in thoroughly drenching 
the entire party. 

At an early hour the next morning the ship was in the 
strait again, her track forming innumerable "fakes," 
consequent upon both the wind and sea uniting their 
retarding forces to a degree that rendered "staying" out 
of the question; and throughout that day and the suc- 
ceeding night, and until the following evening, she 
wore from shore to shore, when the moderating ele- 
ments enabled her to reach Snug Bay, fourteen miles 
from the harbor she had left thirty-five hours before. 

1:2503 



APPENDIX 

This bay possesses a fine, capacious anchorage; but, 
owing to the high, precipitous mountains forming the 
northern and eastern sides, it appears to be only what 
the name implies, a small, snug harbor. Eastward from 
the islet, and also from a rocky reef extending from it 
in a northwesterly direction to the shore, there is excel- 
lent anchorage all over the bay until close in with the 
beach, in from six to eight fathoms, with good holding- 
ground. . . . 

Weighing from Snug Bay, by 5 P.M. the ship had 
worked seven miles to windward and found a quiet rest- 
ing-place in Wood's Bay, a short distance eastward 
from Cape Holland, where the scenery to the north- 
ward and westward is exceedingly grand, — the sharp 
snow-capped peaks rising many thousands of feet above 
the sea-level and standing in bold relief against a leaden 
sky. 

November 9 commenced with light northerly airs 
and drizzling rain, which at noon was succeeded by a 
strong westerly gale and a chop-sea; nevertheless, by 6 
P.M. the ship had made fourteen miles and was head- 
ing into Fortescue Bay, when a furious "williwaw" 
drove her out into the strait again, where, before its 
force became exhausted, the current had swept the vessel 
to leeward of the harbor, and the inky darkness of the 
night hiding the rocky shores until they were close 
aboard, she was forced to remain out, battling with the 
wind and sea, wearing every few minutes to avoid 
besetting dangers, until daylight appeared, when, with 
reefs shaken out and all hands on deck, at 2 P.M. a hard 
fight had been won, and the anchor rested on the bottom 
of Fortescue Bay. 

This fine open roadstead is frequently of difficult 



APPENDIX 

access under sail, owing to the furious gusts and baffling 
winds from the valley north of Mount Cross, up which, 
for three-quarters of a mile, extends Port Gallant, a very- 
snug land-locked harbor, separated from Fortescue Bay 
by Wigwam Island and a rocky point projecting from 
the base of the above-named mount. In the northwest 
angle of this bay is to be found the best anchorage with 
excellent holding-ground, giving room to swing clear 
of the kelp and to veer, if necessary; and, although ex- 
posed to the southward and eastward, is well protected 
from any wind liable to injure. In the kelp along the 
bay-shore were to be found spider-crabs of immense size 
and of unsurpassed delicacy. On pressing these monster 
crabs flat upon deck, the smallest one caught measured 
three, and the largest four feet two inches between the 
extremities of the opposite legs. . . . 

On the loth, 14th, i6th, and 19th of November, 
against strong currents and westerly gales, accompanied 
with severe squalls of rain, hail, and snow, desperate 
attempts were made to reach the next anchorage in York 
Roads, fourteen miles farther to the westward, but the 
poor ship, forced to the utmost of her sail capacity, 
although frequently to windward of her port with every 
prospect of making it, would be swept to leeward by the 
tide and baffling squalls, and at eventide be obliged to 
run for Fortescue Bay, as remaining under way, unless 
forced to do so, was out of the question, for any one 
experiencing a night under sail in either of the three 
Middle Reaches will never care to repeat an experiment 
where many years of anxiety can be easily crowded into 
a few hours of time. Finally, on November 21, with 
variable winds and weather, and aided by a favorable 
slant, the ship triumphantly passed York Roads, and 

1:252] 



APPENDIX 

encountering a strong ebb, rapidly worked to the west- 
ward, and after passing through a mass of anchored 
kelp half a mile from Jerome Point, where six fathoms 
were found, at 3 P.M. she was safely at anchor in Borja 
Bay, twenty-three miles from the place of departure. 

Borja Bay is a semicircular cove, a quarter of a mile 
wide and one-third of a mile deep, with good water and 
tenacious holding-ground close in to the kelp lining the 
shore, and nearly to the water's edge is surrounded by a 
forest of excellent steaming wood. Here I will mention 
that, with the exception of Cordes and St. Andrew's 
Bays, the shores of all the anchorages on the north side 
of the strait between Sandy Point and Borja Bay are 
thickly wooded, but from the latter bay to the Pacific 
the coast is nearly barren of vegetation. 

Eastward from the cove, for half a mile, good anchor- 
age will be found within three-fourths of a cable's 
length from the shore, in from fifteen to twenty-five 
fathoms, with excellent ground of yellow clay, and 
where the current constantly sets eastwardly along the 
land. The Decatur rode out several heavy gales here 
when unable to reach the cove. 

Owing to strong gales and heavy rains the 22d was 
devoted to procuring wood and water, but at i P.M. on 
the following day, the wind having moderated and 
hauled to the northward, the ship weighed and worked 
to the westward in Long Reach as far as Langara Bay, 
when at sunset the wind suddenly failed, followed by a 
calm. After nightfall the intense darkness rendered the 
shores invisible until they were in dangerous proximity 
to the ship, and the prospect became anything but a 
promising one. At 8 P.M. a storm of wind, rain, and 
sleet came tearing down the reach from the westward, 

1:253;] 



APPENDIX 

threatening to sweep all before it, and after receiving 
its first stunning blow the ship righted, and gathering 
headway endeavored to maintain her position, but her 
head reaching in a channel only two miles wide neces- 
sarily rendered a frequent change in the direction of her 
course, and as tacking under the circumstances was sim- 
ply an impossibility, wearing ship every ten or fifteen 
minutes rapidly sent the vessel to leeward, and at mid- 
night she was back in Crooked Reach, between Cape 
Quod and El Morion. 

El Morion, or St. David's Head, is a high, helmet- 
shaped headland of solid granite, rising perpendicu- 
larly from the water, which is both bold and deep at its 
base, and projecting from the Fuegian shore to the mid- 
channel of Long Reach, forms the southern cape to the 
western entrance of Crooked Reach, and any vessel driv- 
ing down the former before a storm on a night of im- 
penetrable darkness neglecting to "port the helm" at the 
right instant would dash headlong against this adaman- 
tine wall, and the first indication of impending danger 
would be the crashing of her head-booms. 

At 6 A.M. catching a glimpse of Ortiz Island, an 
efifort was made to reach Borja Bay, but when within a 
few rods of an anchorage a furious squall sent the ship 
spinning round within fifty feet of the shore, and when 
out in the strait again, another forced her back to York 
Roads, where a harbor was secured half an hour later. 

At half-past four o'clock on the morning of Novem- 
ber 25, the wind being light from north by east and the 
tide ebb, the ship weighed, and an hour later entered 
Long Reach, when the wind hauled ahead in a good 
topgallant working breeze, steadily holding until mid- 
night, when it became somewhat pufify, while the 

1:2543 



APPENDIX 

weather continued mild and the sky overcast, with no 
indication of a change either by the barometer or other- 
wise. At 3.30 A.M., November 26, when within a short 
distance of Playa Parda Cove, requiring only one more 
southerly stretch to reach the anchorage. Captain Ster- 
rett, under the influence of a presentiment and to the 
surprise of all, ordered sail to be reduced to close-reefed 
main-topsail and fore-storm-staysail, but before the 
mandate could be fully obeyed the proximity of the 
northern shore necessitated a change of course, and 
when before the wind, while in the act of wearing, one 
of the most terrific squalls I have ever experienced 
struck the ship, accompanied with apparently a solid 
mass of water, stunning and bewildering in its effects, 
instantly penetrating the clothing and drenching to the 
skin all those upon whom it fell, and at the same instant 
the vessel, settling under the tremendous pressure and 
trembling from truck to keel, as the endangered yards 
threatened to break from the masts, rushed madly into 
the wind, and under the helm's influence instantly fell 
ofif, and finally righted before the tempest, now pressing 
her bows under until the water, forced through the four 
hawse-holes, stood between two and three feet deep 
under the forecastle. The main-topsail was quickly 
branded [handed?], and under fore-storm-staysail the 
Decatur sped at a fearful rate down the confined reach, 
now one broad sheet of driving spray enshrouding the 
ship in an impenetrable cloud of blinding mist, rain, 
and sleet, while the officer at the conn prayed for a 
glimpse of the land or daylight, knowing too well that 
El Morion lay in the path, and that certain destruction 
awaited the ship should he fail to turn Cape Quod at the 
right moment, which, in the absence of any guide. 



APPENDIX 

seemed imminent. Fortunately, however, less than an 
hour afterwards, on passing Cape Notch, barely visible 
through the obscurity, a slight moderation in the storm's 
force induced an effort to save a portion of the distance 
gained with so much toil and time, but after two or three 
futile attempts to "heave to," consequent upon want of 
room to handle ship, she continued to drive until six 
o'clock A.M., when an anchorage was secured in York 
Roads, having made thirty-seven miles in two hours and 
forty-five minutes, and a great portion of that distance 
under "bare poles." 

Thirteen days of stormy weather now confined the 
ship in York Roads, during which time fishing and 
hunting were fully indulged in, though, probably in 
consequence of strong winds and heavy rains, with the 
exception of one day when one hundred and twenty- 
three mullet were caught by hauling the seine, the 
efforts made resulted in little beyond thorough wettings 
to the ambitious sportsmen. 

Consequent upon the flood-tide from the Pacific flow- 
ing eastwardly through the Western Reaches to its ter- 
minal point near Cape Froward, and the waters from 
Jerome Channel emptying the Otway and Skyring 
Basins during the ebb, forming a strong surface current 
in the same direction, and felt beyond Fortescue Bay, 
English Reach is, perhaps, the most difficult one in the 
Strait of Magellan, — a vessel, until past Jerome Chan- 
nel, having to struggle against adverse currents on both 
sides. Next to English, Long Reach possesses more 
difficulties for a vessel under sail than any of the others, 
owing to its narrow channel and the absence of available 
harbors between Cape Quod and Havannah Point, a 
distance of thirty-five miles, and averaging only two and 



APPENDIX 

a half in width, with the working space reduced to less 
than two. 

December 9 once more saw the ship under way, and 
after a hard struggle she succeeded in reaching Borja 
Bay, where inclement weather detained her until the 
1 2th, when another attempt was made to proceed; but a 
calm and an easterly current necessitated towing back 
by the boats, and when near the entrance of the harbor 
a squall obliged the vessel to "come to" in thirty-seven 
fathoms; and when tailing in a southeasterly direction 
with seventy-five fathoms of chain out, one hundred and 
fifty fathoms of water were found under the stern. The 
anchor rested on the steep side of a bank, in tenacious 
yellow clay, and for more than forty hours the ship 
safely rode through numerous very violent squalls. 

The Decatur having been out from Rio two months 
and nineteen days, and with a sadly diminished pro- 
vision list. Captain Sterrett now assembled the crew and 
informed them of the necessity of reducing the ration 
one-half, and declared his intention, with their concur- 
rence, to continue the efforts to pass the strait until there 
were only twenty-one days' quarter rations on board, 
when he proposed to "run for Montevideo, fill the ship 
with provisions, and return to continue the fight until 
the Pacific was reached" ; to which every officer and 
man favorably and enthusiastically responded, prefer- 
ring to be subjected to any number of hardships and 
deprivations rather than suflfer defeat. 

About this time scurvy appeared among the crew, and 
as a possible check to its spreading Surgeon Jeflfery per- 
sonally collected and carried on board several boat- 
loads of wild celery and water-cresses, explaining to the 
men the benefits to be derived from partaking freely of 

1:2573 



APPENDIX 

those vegetables; and although they were particularly 
fond of these edibles, the very fact of the doctor's inter- 
est and trouble in the matter served only to defeat his 
laudable intentions until they began to seriously suffer, 
when a compliance with his demands soon eradicated 
the disease entirely. 

The 14th and 17th were consumed in efforts to pass 
through Long Reach (the two intervening days being 
taken up with gales of wind and rain), resulting in 
being driven back, and, with difficulty, in regaining the 
anchorage near Borja Bay. At five o'clock on the morn- 
ing of December 18 the Decatur was again fighting 
with the elements in Long Reach; but, forced to suc- 
cumb, she returned to her anchorage, her people deter- 
mined, cheerful, and hopeful. At 2 P.M., to the aston- 
ishment of all on board, the United States steamer 
Massachusetts — supposed to have been at Valparaiso 
weeks before — was discovered turning from English 
into Crooked Reach (but under a different rig from 
the one carried when last seen), and the satisfaction 
experienced at this opportune reunion of the two vessels 
can better be imagined than expressed; nor was that 
astonishment lessened when they learned that during 
the squall on the evening of September 22 the steamer 
had lost her main- and mizzen-masts, and barely saved 
the fore from going by the board also; the disaster hav- 
ing been occasioned chiefly by the low stowage of heavy 
anchors and chains destined for California. Soon after 
the steamer's return to Rio (on the 23d), in order to 
replace her lost spars, an outward-bound vessel carried 
to New York a dispatch penned by a Herald correspon- 
dent, stating that "during a heavy gale, which dismasted 
the Massachusetts, the United States ship Decatur sud- 

[2583 



APPENDIX 

denly disappeared in a furious squall, and it was be- 
lieved that she had gone down, carrying all on board 
with her to the bottom." An article written with little 
judgment, and productive of infinite and useless distress. 
The Massachusetts, having been furnished with sev- 
enty cords of wood to eke out her somewhat scanty stock 
of coal, at early daylight on December 20 (the wind at 
the time being light from southeast, and against the 
remonstrances of both the commander and navigator of 
the sailing-ship, who, by a terrible experience, had 
learned the significance of a light breeze from that 
direction) raised steam, and on getting under way was 
followed by her consort out into the strait, where the 
former received the end of a hawser from the latter, and 
before the boat carrying it could return, a sudden, furi- 
ous wind howling down Long Reach forced the Deca- 
tur to wear short round to avoid going on the Fuegian 
shore, and afterwards to run before it, with the boat 
dragging by the now trailing hawser, which the crew 
had succeeded in grasping; and on passing Jerome 
Point, to prevent swamping they let go, and after a 
perilous "pull" fortunately reached York River in 
safety. A few minutes later the ship was "brought to 
the wind" in order to hold her own until the gale abated 
sufficiently for her to enter York Roads, without the 
chances of taking ground in a roadstead where there 
was scarcely room for "rounding to" in the storm 
now raging. Meanwhile the Massachusetts, unable to 
steam back to her anchorage, and steadily losing ground, 
finally wore and ran for Fortescue Bay. At 2 P.M., 
during a lull, the Decatur kept away for the haven 
under her lee, when a terrific squall obliged her to "up 
helm," and she went tearing down English Reach at a 

1:259;] 



APPENDIX 

tremendous pace, leaving the cutter behind ; and an hour 
later, on rounding into Fortescue Bay, another furious 
squall forced her out into the strait, where, under storm- 
mizzen and main-spencer, she rode quietly without 
head-reaching, merely drifting before the tempest. 
While furling sails, Robert Hamilton, seaman, lost his 
footing through the unexpected rendering of the "bight" 
of a furling line, which he imagined taut round the sail, 
and striking the forecastle head downwards, died in- 
stantly. 

The boat left behind at York River, on seeing the 
ship disappearing to the eastward, put out after her, 
and, to the surprise of all, safely reached Fortescue Bay, 
where her crew found a temporary asylum on the 
steamer. 

The Decatur, by riding under after-canvas alone, re- 
mained in the middle of the stream with a moderate 
movement to leeward, and relieved the commander and 
navigator of a world of anxiety which any efforts to 
maintain a weatherly position under sail would have 
insured, while the constant "wearing ship" throughout 
the night to effect that object would have carried her 
many miles to the eastward of the place she occupied on 
the following morning, — about five miles west of Cape 
Holland, — and from which position she bore away for 
Wood's Bay in order to render the last sad rites to a de- 
ceased and lamented shipmate. 

Now, on the 21st of December, the ship rode at an- 
chor in the harbor whence she had sailed on November 
9, and, considering the weather experienced the ensuing 
week, had Captain Sterrett acted upon his own judg- 
ment, and not weighed from Borja Bay during the 
continuance of a light southeasterly wind, his vessel 

C2603 



APPENDIX 

probably would have reached the Pacific without fur- 
ther serious difficulty. The following day, after a 
"tough beat" of fourteen hours, the ship anchored on a 
bank abreast of Cordes Bay, extending nearly a mile 
southwesterly from Muscle Island, where there is un- 
surpassed holding-ground, composed of yellow clay and 
pebbles, covered with a shallow layer of sand, broken 
shells, and coral, resembling bran more than anything 
else. 

Two days later, for the last time, the Decatur entered 
Fortescue Bay, and on Christmas, in tow of the Massa- 
chusetts, regained Borja Bay, from which port the two 
vessels departed on the 26th, and after progressing about 
ten miles in Long Reach, steaming smoothly along close 
to the north shore to avoid an adverse current, and when 
to windward of and uncomfortably near to a projecting 
rocky point, the steamer, without warning or ostensible 
cause, cast ofif both tow-lines, leaving her consort, with 
every sail snug in the gaskets and two hundred fathoms 
of hawser in the water hanging under her bows, to save 
herself the best way she could. The experience gained 
by more than two months in this strait, together with the 
admirable discipline on board, now told, and in less 
time than it takes to narrate it the men were on the 
yards, topsails sheeted home and mast-headed, jibs 
hoisted, fore tack boarded, and the ship, with helm hard 
a-starboard, head-yard abox, after ones square, and 
head-sheets to windward, was wearing sharply round, 
barely clearing the danger close aboard under her lee; 
and when in the stream with hawsers coiled away, the 
steamer disappearing in the distance, night approach- 
ing, and failing to find an anchorage in Orsono Bay, she 
returned to her old berth in a bay whose name had be- 

1:2613 



APPENDIX 

come more familiar than a household word. The next 
morning the Massachusetts made her appearance, with 
no excuse to offer on the part of her commanding officer 
for the performance of the preceding evening, and on 
the following day she again took the Decatur in tow, 
and finally succeeded in carrying her to Playa Parda 
Cove, thirty-three miles from Borja Bay. 

Playa Parda Cove is an oval-shaped basin, rather 
more than half a mile in its greatest diameter, and some- 
what less in its shorter one, with from four to six 
fathoms water; is completely land-locked, sheltered 
from every wind by precipitous mountains and high 
hills, and connected with the outer harbor by a clean, 
narrow channel, with six fathoms in it, and the water 
bold close to either shore. The outer harbor is three- 
fourths of a mile wide and less than half a mile deep, 
averaging about six fathoms all over it, and with scat- 
tered sprigs of kelp extending half-way across from the 
western shore, among which excellent pan fish readily 
took the hook. This anchorage is a good one, with fine 
holding-ground, and tolerably well sheltered from the 
winds to be mostly feared, though squalls from Playa 
Parda Bay will sometimes necessitate a close watch 
upon the "drift-lead." The best place to anchor is near 
the centre of the roadstead abreast of Middle Point, 
where, with a good scope of chain and a vigilant obser- 
vance upon the anchors, I see no reason for a ship's 
dragging into a dangerous neighborhood. A careful 
and thorough search failed to develop any lurking dan- 
gers outside the kelp on the several points. 

In this desolate region, beyond the grandeur of the 
scenery little can be said in its favor; one or two 

1262-2 



APPENDIX 

glaciers, a few stunted trees, scarcity of game, and the 
shores well covered with small, pearly mussels, limpets, 
tritons, cea-eggs, etc., to which may be added gales and 
squalls of unprecedented violence, rain, hail, and snow, 
about complete the picture. 

The first day of January, 1855, passed away quietly 
with moderate and variable winds, and at an early hour 
on the ensuing morning, with the steamer ahead, both 
vessels soon entered Sea Reach, where the strait sud- 
denly widens from two and a half to five, and soon 
afterwards to fifteen miles. With the exception of 
encountering a short, heavy swell on leaving Long 
Reach and passing many Fuegian canoes, little of inter- 
est transpired; and after being towed against a strong 
westerly wind throughout the succeeding night (during 
which the commander of the steamer frequently threat- 
ened to cast the Decatur adrift), at six o'clock the next 
morning the two vessels were riding at their anchors in 
the Harbor of Mercy (five miles from the Pacific 
Ocean) in eleven and a half fathoms, where occasional 
branches of anchored kelp were showing on the water 
all the w^ay across the entrance. . . . 

On the 4th of January, 1855, the weather being clear, 
the morning bright and beautiful, with a light westerly 
breeze stirring, and a gentle swell rolling in from the 
ocean, the Decatur, towed by the Massachusetts, at last 
emerged from the western entrance of the Strait of 
Magellan, — her objective-point for eighty-three days, — 
and, when twenty miles off shore, the two ships, under 
sail, separated, both steering for Valparaiso. . . . 

Regarding the meteorological and other conditions 
of the straits through which the Decatur had just 



APPENDIX 

passed, I will mention here that from Cape Virgin to 
Sandy Point, with the exception of one "clear storm,'' 
and another accompanied with rain and snow, the 
weather was fine and pleasant, with few or no clouds to 
be seen, excepting over the distant mountains; but be- 
tween Sandy Point and the Harbor of Mercy, a period 
of sixty-eight days, there were only one or two on which 
either rain or snow or both did not fall ; and on Decem- 
ber 23 the ship had dry decks for the first time after 
leaving Sandy Point, on the 31st of October. There 
were only a few days of continued rain, and, considering 
the latitude, the entire fall did not appear excessive, — 
the principal amount being received from showers in 
English and Long Reaches. During the eighty-three 
days' experience between Capes Virgin and Pillar the 
mean temperature was 45.28°, the maximum 58°, and the 
minimum 29°, and on two occasions only did the mer- 
cury fall to 32° or below. In these so-called Cape Horn 
latitudes any winds blowing over the Pacific Ocean 
from the north round by west to south, on striking the 
coast, are drawn eastwardly between the lofty, precipi- 
tous mountains forming the occidental reaches, and pro- 
duce an almost perennial westerly wind in these 
channels. The weather in the reaches eastward from 
Cape Froward will ofifer no criterion for the meteoro- 
logical influences to be experienced in those to the west- 
ward of that point. . . . 

The 17th of January saw the Decatur at anchor 
before the city of Valparaiso, missing by two days the 
semi-monthly steamer plying to Panama. In port was 
the flag-ship St. Lawrence, Commodore Mervine, and 
from her officers it was ascertained that weeks before all 

1:264: 



APPENDIX 

hope of the Decatur's safety had been abandoned, and 
their impressions in that respect duly forwarded to the 
United States. 

Sailing from Valparaiso on January 26, the Decatur 
arrived at Honolulu, Hawaii Islands, March 8, and 
some two months later her people learned that, owing to 
a disabled steamer, news of the ship's safety was not 
received in the United States until March 25, sixty- 
seven days after reaching port, and two days after she 
had been classed as lost on the 23d of September, 1854, 
and the names of the following officers, together with 
those of the crew, erased from the register of the Navy 
Department, viz.: Commander, Isaac S. Sterrett; 
Lieutenants, Edward Middleton, Andrew J. Drake, 
Aaron K. Hughes; Acting Master, Passed Midshipman 
Thomas S. Phelps; Purser, John J. Jones; Surgeon, 
Richard W. Jefifery; Assistant Surgeon, John Y. Tay- 
lor; Passed Midshipmen, Francis G. Dallas, George U. 
Morris; Midshipmen, M. C. Campbell, John G. Mit- 
chell; Boatswain, Henry Bright; Gunner, R. M. 
Stocking; Carpenter, Joseph E. Miller; Sail-Maker, 
Augustus A. Warren; Captain's Clerk, James S. Ster- 
rett; all of whom were not regretful in disappointing 
those whose promotions would have been effected by 
the foundering of the United States sloop-of-war Deca- 
tur. 

[From Honolulu the Decatur sailed for Puget Sound 
and cast anchor at Port Townsend July 19, 1855. After 
learning of the condition of affairs in the Territory she 
proceeded to the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, 
for provisions and ammunition, returned to Puget 

[265] 



APPENDIX 

Sound, and anchored off Seattle October 4th. Com- 
modore Phelps here resumes his narrative.] 

REMINISCENCES OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON TERRI- 
TORY, AND THE U. S. SLOOP-OF-WAR DECATUR, 
DURING THE INDIAN WAR OF 1855-56.1 

The Decatur was only a few hours in port before we 
had a fair understanding of existing affairs. During 
the interval between that ship's departure in July and 
her return the passive attitude of the Indians had 
changed to an active one. The Kliktat and Spokane 
Indians first united with hostile intentions, and soon 
were joined by the Palouses, Walla-Walla, Yakami, 
Kamialk, Nisqually, Puyallup, Lake, and other tribes, 
estimated at six thousand warriors, marshaled under the 
three generals-in-chief Coquilton, Owhi, and Lushi, 
assisted by many subordinate chiefs. . . . 

Excepting . . , three tribes, . . . and a few of the 
Duwam-sh race residing in and around Seattle, the en- 
tire body of Indians in the Territory were united against 
the colonists, who were poor, without military resources, 
save a few rifles and old fowling-pieces, and beyond 
themselves their only hope rested upon the two com- 
panies of the Third U. S. Artillery, acting as infantry, 
commanded by Captain E. D. Keyes, U. S. A., and 
stationed at Fort Steilacoom, situated about a mile east 
of the town bearing that name. Unfortunately, at this 
time their prospects of assistance were lessened by the 
absence of one company, under Lieutenant Slaughter, 
upon a reconnoitring expedition to the Naches Pass, 
and of whose safety serious doubts were entertained. 
Various extravagant rumors were in circulation, and the 
1 The United Service, December, 1881. 

[266] 



APPENDIX 

minds of the people naturally became unsettled and 
prepared to credit any report however marvelous, and 
when, about October i, a man by the name of Porter was 
attacked by a few Indians (but who succeeded in escap- 
ing to Steilacoom), a panic was created. 

The farmers of Kings County abandoned their homes 
and fled with their families to Seattle, where, uniting 
with the townspeople, they lost no time in constructing 
a blockhouse on the mound of sufficient capacity to pro- 
tect them against the incursion of the savage horde 
momentarily expected; and at this juncture, when all 
hope of assistance from the outside world was given up, 
the appearance of the Decatur rounding West Point 
was such an unexpected acquisition of good fortune to 
the anxious and despondent settlers that they seemed to 
feel as if a reprieve from sudden death had been 
granted, and the transition from despair to unrestrained 
joy may be imagined but not described. . . . 

On the 1 8th the alarm of the citizens was seriously 
augmented by the arrival from Fort Colville of six 
Frenchmen, who were positive of the union of the Klik- 
tat, Spokane, Palouse, Walla-Walla, and Yakami In- 
dians for hostile purposes, and had been assured by the 
chief of the latter tribe that on October 6 he had at- 
tacked and destroyed a company of soldiers, thereby 
securing a good supply of arms and ammunition, 
enabling him to assume the offensive and also to secure 
all the mountain passes and rivers. 

This probably was the Indian version of a report re- 
ceived through another channel the next day, that on the 
6th Major Haller's command had charged and routed 
a body of Indians, with severe loss on both sides, the 
soldiers remaining in possession of the field. 

[267: 



APPENDIX 

Following this came the news of Lieutenant Slaugh- 
ter's return from the mountains, where finding the 
enemy numbering between three and four thousand, he 
deemed it expedient to fall back, first to White River 
and afterwards to Fort Steilacoom. 

These and other kindred stories served as a prelude 
to the tragedy enacted at the Pup-shulk Prairie on Sun- 
day morning, October 28, when at eight o'clock the sav- 
ages surprised and murdered three families recently 
returned to their homes. . '. . 

The farmers having returned to Seattle, and that 
place holding about one hundred able-bodied men, to a 
certain extent the ship was left free to attend to the in- 
terests of other places on the sound, and having gar- 
risoned the block-house with a guard of marines under 
Lieutenant Drake, she sailed on November 20 for 
Steilacoom, where the people were much excited over a 
party of some thirty Northern Indians encamped to the 
southward of the town. Lieutenant Hughes was dis- 
patched with the first cutter to investigate the trouble, 
and as he landed and was advancing towards them, the 
Indians wrought to a high pitch of anger by the towns- 
men, and not comprehending the object of the visit, 
covered him with their guns and ordered him back, but 
Hughes, undaunted, pushed onward, and as the Indians 
were on the point of firing, the squaws, fortunately re- 
maining cool, seized and pressed the muzzles of the 
rifles down, and by their presence of mind saved the 
officer's life and their entire band from annihilation. 
An amicable conversation followed, which resulted in 
the Indians leaving immediately for Vancouver's Is- 
land. 

At the fort Captain Keyes was organizing another 

[268] 



APPENDIX 

expedition for the field, to be commanded by Lieuten- 
ant Slaughter, and being short of officers. Master Dal- 
las was assigned temporarily as aide to Captain Keyes, 
and Dr. Taylor as surgeon, and Lieutenant Harrison, 
of the revenue cutter Jefferson Davis, as first lieutenant 
to Slaughter's command, which in a few days left for 
the Muckle-shute Prairie, and from that point to care- 
fully examine the White River country through to the 
head of Duwam-sh Bay. 

On the ist day of December, while meditating a visit 
to Nisqually and Olympia, alarming news from Seattle 
came by express, and the ship immediately repaired to 
that place, when an urgent request was received from 
Port Madison for the vessel to "come immediately and 
save the people from a band of Northern Indians who 
were threatening the lives of the entire settlement." In 
a few hours the ship was in that harbor, and Captain 
Sterrett, believing in the possible settlement of a prob- 
able misunderstanding by a conference, requested the 
principal men to assemble on board for that purpose; 
but the Indians doubting the propriety of subjecting 
their persons to the tender mercies of the "Bostons"^ 
without proper guarantees, which Captain Sterrett de- 
clined to give, sent a decided negative, but after many 
promises and much persuasion he succeeded in gather- 
ing a deliberative board of the savages, composed of 
Scowell, the most powerful chief in all the Territories 
of Northwestern America, and eighteen minor chiefs, 
or Tyees, and after giving them an exhibition of the 
power of heavy guns, the explosive nature of iron shells, 
and destructive qualities of grape and canister, he ex- 
plained the situation, the excited state of the settlers, and 

1 Americans. 

[269: 



APPENDIX 

in the war already inaugurated the impossibility of dis- 
tinguishing friends from foes, and concluded by urging 
them to return to their own country and remain there 
until the close of hostilities; to which Scowell imme- 
diately responded, "In eighteen hours we will leave, 
and not return till the war is over." Within twelve 
hours the entire encampment had departed from the 
waters of Puget Sound. 

The object of the trip being satisfactorily concluded, 
and the state of afifairs at Seattle rendering imperative 
the ship's immediate return, preparation was made to 
leave, when a canoe arrived from the latter place bring- 
ing news of the disaster which had befallen the com- 
mand of Lieutenant Slaughter near the forks of White 
and Green Rivers, requiring notice at this time. 

The march of the expedition, after leaving Steil- 
acoom, to Muckle-shute was devoid of interest, and 
after a brief rest at that prairie proceeded down the val- 
ley of White River, every precaution being taken against 
surprise, and notwithstanding the constant fall of rain, 
neither tents nor fires were permitted until their arrival 
at the Pup-shulk Prairie, near the forks, where, on 
December 4, meeting with Captain Hewett, and being 
assured by that officer of the absence of Indians, his 
company having thoroughly scoured the neighborhood 
during the day. Lieutenant Slaughter ordered his men 
to encamp for the night. Tents were erected, fires 
kindled, and for the first time in three days the tired and 
drenched command enjoyed rest and dry clothing. 

A deserted log hut was found on the ground, which 
the officers appropriated for headquarters, and with a 
rousing fire before the door, made themselves as com- 
fortable as the circumstances would admit. About 10 

[270:] 



APPENDIX 

o'clock P.M., while Lieutenant Slaughter and Captain 
Hewett were conversing together inside the hut, and 
exposed to the open door, with Dr. Taylor and Lieuten- 
ant Harrison also in the room, the Indians, who had 
passed the sentinels unperceived, poured a heavy volley 
into the encampment, instantly killing Lieutenant 
Slaughter and wounding others. The awakened gar- 
rison were quickly in position, and a fierce fusilade was 
kept up on both sides until towards dawn, when the 
Indians retired, leaving on the ground Lieutenant 
Slaughter, Corporal Berry, and one private of the 
army, and Corporal Langden, Washington Territory 
Volunteers, killed, and five men wounded. The intense 
darkness of the night probably saved the command from 
annihilation. On December 6 the expedition, with the 
remains of Lieutenant Slaughter, arrived at Seattle, and 
returned to Fort Steilacoom by water. . . . 

On the morning of December 7 the Decatur, with 
William Webster, pilot, in charge, weighed anchor, and 
while working to the southward against a light head 
wind, and at about high water, at 2 P.M., being close in 
with Bainbridge Island, struck upon a rocky reef mak- 
ing in a southeasterly direction from the land, a danger 
of which the pilot was entirely ignorant. A sharp point 
penetrated the keel and held the ship against every at- 
tempt to back her off, and by the time an anchor could 
be carried out and the heavy guns run aft, the tide had 
fallen sufficiently to render futile every effort to move 
her. The rise and fall of the tide was between thirteen 
and fourteen feet, and as it subsided the ship canted 
rankly to starboard, and appeared to be held at a point 
about ten feet abaft the foremast. About 5 o'clock P.M. 
a loud, sharp report was heard, accompanied with a 

[271: 



APPENDIX 

severe trembling of the vessel, and an examination for 
the cause revealed the fact of her starboard bilge bear- 
ing upon a sharp ridge of a ledge, with the side from 
the keel up being stove in; the main rail between the 
fore- and mainmasts arched nearly two feet, and the 
seams opened an inch or more. At low tide the ship 
rested as follows, viz. : the stern on the bottom, where 
there was only three feet of water, the bilge under the 
after part of the fore-channels on a sharp, rocky ridge, 
and the keel upheld by the pointed rock before men- 
tioned. 

Thus she was sustained at two points, the stern and 
bilge, with the forefoot elevated about five feet above 
the sand. Had she gone ten feet farther, the ship would 
have been evenly balanced in the air at low water. The 
open seams were calked with blankets, and every prepa- 
ration made to float her at high water. About six o'clock 
the next morning, during a moderate squall, the ship 
backed ofif, and soon under a press of canvas was beating 
back to Seattle, where, after a vexatious passage, con- 
tending against head winds and calms, she arrived in 
thirty hours. 

On the loth of December the command of the Deca- 
tur was transferred to Commander Guert Gansevoort, 
U. S. N., Captain Sterrett having been placed on the 
reserved list of the navy by the action of the retiring 
board of 1855, in consequence of false charges having 
been preferred and the defendant adjudged guilty with- 
out a hearing. Subsequently, however, he was triumph- 
antly vindicated before a proper tribunal, and one of 
the most genial and efficient officers of the navy was 
restored to the active list. As a seaman, he had no su- 
perior in or out of the service. The ship was now taken 

1:2723 



APPENDIX 

to Yesler's wharf, the topmast and yards sent on shore, 
hold broken out, battery removed to the wharf, and at 
high water hauled as far up on the shore as it was pos- 
sible to get her, so that when the tide was at its lowest 
ebb she was nearly "high and dry." An examination 
showed the keel, keelson, and side up to the water-line 
to be badly broken, the latter stove in, and the starboard 
side from bridleport to mainmast, and rail to keel, 
frame-knees, lining, and outside planking, excepting an 
inch of the outer surface, completely dry-rotted. 

The carpenter's crew immediately commenced the 
repairs by jacking the side into place, filling in with nev/ 
wood ; bracing with strong timbers, calking, felting, and 
sheathing the outside; working day and night till the 
19th of January, when the battery was remounted, and 
the ship once more rode to her anchor, where she could 
command nearly every part of the town with her guns. 

During the twenty days the ship lay on the beach un- 
dergoing repairs many incidents worthy of notice oc- 
curred, among which the following may be considered 
the most interesting. Early in the month, Lushi, elud- 
ing the watch of Steilacoom, gained the reservation near 
that town, and while endeavoring to corrupt the Indians 
there, notice of his presence was conveyed to Captain 
Keyes, who immediately dispatched Captain Maloney 
and company in the Hudson Bay steamer Beaver, 
kindly loaned for the purpose, to secure the person of 
that chief for further disposal; but as the Beaver ap- 
proached the encampment Lushi and his warriors were 
in battle array awaiting their arrival, but having no can- 
non or facilities for landing, beyond a small boat capa- 
ble of holding only three or four persons. Captain 
Maloney was obliged to return and report the failure 



APPENDIX 

of his mission; whereupon Captain Keyes embarked in 
the Active^ for Seattle to borrow the launch and how- 
itzer of the Decatur; but they being indispensable for 
the protection of that place, Captain Gansevoort de- 
clined to let them go out of the bay. 

The Active then steamed away for Steilacoom, where 
she arrived about midnight of January 6. In the mean 
while, alarmed for his safety and divining the object of 
the Active's absence, Lushi quietly returned to the 
Puyallup River, capturing two white men on his way 
and carrying them prisoners to his camp. 

About ten o'clock on the evening of January i8 the 
town was thrown into a commotion by the discharge of 
a musket, apparently near the outskirts in rear of the 
mound. 

The Decatur's crew, who were organized in four di- 
visions, with a howitzer's crew in addition, sprang to 
arms, repaired to the stations assigned in the event of a 
surprise, manned the guns mounted to sweep the wharf, 
and awaited further developments, while the women, 
children, and others sought refuge in the block- 
house. . . . 

About the 21st of January "Jim"" notified Captain 
Gansevoort of the Indians having crossed the moun- 
tains, and on being joined by the warriors west of the 
Cascades had formed in two columns, under Coquilton 
and Owhi, to attack simultaneously both Seattle and 
Steilacoom, which with their overwhelming forces they 
hoped to carry, and then pursue their bloody work until 
not a white inhabitant was left alive in the Territory; 

1 U. S. Coast Survej' steamer. 

2 Yark-eke-e-man, an Indian f riendh- to the Americans. 

1:2743 



APPENDIX 

but when on the eve of executing these plans, Coquilton 
was instructed by a scout that the "Boston war-ship," 
then aground in Duwam-sh Bay, had her hold full of 
powder, and to an enterprising chief like himself would 
become an easy prey, whereupon he had recalled Owhi, 
and with the united columns was marching upon Seattle 
to secure the prize providentially placed within his 
reach; and that secured, the Territory, he reasoned, 
would be at his mercy, and its final conquest only a mat- 
ter of time. . . . 

The work on the ship was pursued with unremitting 
vigor until she floated, all ataunto, in the stream. The 
divisions, skilled in the exercises of battle, nightly oc- 
cupied the shore, vigilantly guarding the people as they 
slept, and resting only when the morning light released 
them from the apprehended attack. The divisions com- 
manded by their respective officers were distributed 
along the line of the defense in the following order: the 
fourth, under Lieutenant Dallas, commencing at South- 
east Point, extended along the bay shore to the sand-bar, 
where meeting with the right of the first division, 
Lieutenant Drake, the latter continued the line facing 
the swamp to a point half-way from the bar to a hotel 
situated midway between the bar and Yesler's place, and 
there joined the second, under Lieutenant Hughes, 
whose left, resting on the hotel, completed an unbroken 
line between the latter and Southeast Point, while the 
howitzer's crew. Lieutenant Morris, was stationed near 
Plummer's house, to sweep the bar and to operate 
wherever circumstances demanded. The third division, 
Lieutenant Phelps, occupied that portion of the neck 
lying between the swamp and mound east of Yesler's 

1:27511 



APPENDIX 

place, to secure the approaches leading from the lake, 
and the marines, under Sergeant Carbine, garrisoned 
the block-house. 

The divisions thus stationed left a gap between the 
second and third, which the width and impassable na- 
ture of the swamp at this place rendered unnecessary to 
close, thereby enabling a portion of the town to be en- 
compassed, which otherwise would have been exposed. 

The distance between the block-house and Southeast 
Point, following the sinuosities of the bay and swamp 
shores, was three-quarters of a mile, to be defended by 
ninety-six men, eighteen marines, and five officers, leav- 
ing Gunner Stocking, Carpenter Miller, Clerks Francis 
and Ferguson, and fifteen men with Lieutenant Middle- 
ton to guard the ship. Surgeons Jeffery and Taylor, 
Purser Jones, and Sail-maker Warren composed the 
staff of the commanding officer, and did good service on 
shore. Of the entire ship's company, numbering one 
hundred and forty-five officers and crew, only one, Hans 
Carl, an old seaman in the last stage of decline, was un- 
able to answer when the muster-roll was called. . . . 

On the 24th the Active came into the harbor, bearing 
Governor Stevens and staff, accompanied by Captain 
Keyes and Indian Agent Simmons. 

The governor, recently returned from visiting the 
Coeur d'Alenes and other transmountain tribes, scoffed 
at the idea of Indian troubles, and on the evening of the 
25th concluded a speech addressed to the settlers with 
these emphatic words: "I have just returned from the 
countries of the Nez Perces and of the Coeur d'Alenes; 
I have visited many tribes on the way both going and 
coming, and I tell you there are not fifty hostile Indians 
in the Territory, and I believe that the cities of New 

1276-2 



APPENDIX 

York and San Francisco will as soon be attacked by In- 
dians as this town of Seattle." The effect of this decla- 
ration upon his hearers was disheartening in the 
extreme, for within an hour before their utterance in- 
telligence had been received that "Coquilton with his 
army was approaching by the way of Lake Duwam-sh, 
and had been crossing since early in the morning"; and 
many then resolved to leave the country, which they 
afterwards did, causing much annoyance to the gover- 
nor, who attributed their defection to the "improper 
influence of the officers of the' Decatur." Immediately 
upon closing, the gubernatorial party re-embarked and 
continued their inspecting tour of the reservations in the 
lower waters of the inlet.^ 

Owing to a singular idiosyncrasy on the part of the 
people residing in the upper regions of the sound, only 
a few apparently believed in the danger near at hand, 
and laughed to scorn the "officers of the ship at Seattle" 
for their absurd apprehensions of any difficulty with a 
race too cowardly to resist any aggressions, however se- 
rious they might be. 

During the afternoon of the 25th, Tecumseh, chief of 
the Lake Indians, came in with his whole tribe and 
claimed protection against the hostiles, who designed 
their destruction in consequence of their adhering to the 
whites, and they were assigned to a portion of the unoc- 
cupied ground in the southern portion of the town with 

^ The Life of Isaac Ingalls Stevens (see especially Vol. II, pp. 162- 
167) gives quite a different impression of the governor from that here 
set forth by Commodore Phelps. It is possible that at this time, just 
after his return from Fort Benton, he was not perfectly familiar with 
local conditions around Seattle, though his knowledge of the whole 
Indian situation was surely not deficient. He was probably misun- 
derstood by the naval officers. 

1:2773 



APPENDIX 

the injunction to keep within their camp and not to stray 
beyond its bounds. 

The protestations of these Indians were received in 
good faith and an asylum cheerfully accorded; how 
well deserved the following pages will show. . . . 

At midnight, commencing January 26, Tecumseh, 
Owhi, Lushi, Curley, Yark-eke-e-man, and chiefs of 
lesser note were assembled in the lodge of the former to 
decide upon a plan of battle and the necessary details to 
harmonize the movements of the Indians both in and 
out of the town. Preliminary to more important busi- 
ness, the council decided upon an indiscriminate slaugh- 
ter of all the people found in Seattle, including those 
belonging to the ship. Curley requested an exemption 
in favor of Mr. Yesler, — always a kind friend to his 
race, — but being overruled, finally consented that he 
also should be consigned to destruction with the others. 
Next, after serious deliberation, they decided that their 
stranger guests should immediately return to Coquilton 
by water, and arrange for a simultaneous assault of all 
the forces under his command; the Indians within the 
town to provide against a retreat in the direction of the 
bay, and thus insure the destruction of both people and 
town, and secure a retreat to the forests before the heavy 
guns on the ship would be able to open fire ; the attack to 
be made about 2 o'clock A.M. instead of the hour im- 
mediately preceding dawn, as is usual with the Indians; 
and the inadequate garrison being taken by surprise, 
would, they argued, offer only a feeble resistance to the 
overwhelming number of determined Indians launched 
suddenly upon them, and an easy victory be gained with 
little loss to themselves. 

Having satisfactorily completed the programme for 

1:2783 



APPENDIX 

offensive operations, the two chiefs were on the eve of 
embarking in a canoe waiting for them on the beach, 
when Yark-eke-e-man, who had some time previously 
been accused by the Indians of being too friendly w^ith 
their enemies, and who was not yet wholly free from the 
ban of suspicion, now became painfully conscious of his 
inability to give timely warning of the intended move- 
ment, and instantly conceived a way of defeating their 
well-digested plans, while at the same time he would 
be enabled to notify those interested in the measures in- 
augurated for their destruction; and while apparently 
assenting to every proposition decided in the affirma- 
tive, he boldly opposed the method of execution, and 
counseled the chiefs not to attempt to leave in the man- 
ner suggested, for the men guarding the shore would 
certainly discover and shoot them, "and your death or 
capture at this juncture," said he, "will defeat the ob- 
jects we have in view; but rest quiet until morning, and 
as soon as the crew return to the vessel, you can walk out 
over the bar, mistaken for Lake Indians; besides, the 
'Bostons' are anticipating a night attack and prepared to 
resist any assault you may make; and if you should suc- 
ceed, which is doubtful, it will be at the cost of a fearful 
loss of life ; but wait," he added, "until ten o'clock, when 
the Decatur's men w^ill have breakfasted and gone to 
sleep ; then be prepared to attack with your whole force, 
leaving the avenues of retreat to the care of the Indians 
in town, and when ready, overwhelm the place with 
every w^arrior in your army, and before the guns of the 
ship can interfere, every inhabitant will be dead, their 
dwellings given to the flame, and your people back in 
safety to the woods. 

"Now mass your forces in ambush near the brow of 

1:279;] 



APPENDIX 

the first range of hills, leaving a few exposed in front, 
and as the Decatur's men land, mistaking them for the 
main body, they will charge and drive the flying In- 
dians up the hill, and on their reaching your line give 
them the contents of your guns, and let clubbed muskets 
and knives do the rest; not a soul can escape, and with 
canoes the ship will be easily overpowered, and she, to- 
gether with her ammunition and provisions, will be 
yours." 

This scheme proved too grand in the prospects ad- 
vanced, and by far too brilliant in its anticipated results, 
not to find a ready response in every Indian's heart, and 
without modification the council unanimously voted to 
substitute it for the original one planned a short time 
before. . . . 

Meanwhile the Decatur's people had gotten them- 
selves ready to partake of their morning meal, and were 
on the eve of satisfying their appetites, rendered keen by 
a night's vigils, when the long-roll summoned them to 
the deck, and ten minutes later found them, breakfast- 
less, under arms at the stations vacated by them a short 
time before. 

The third division was the last in order to leave the 
ship, and the captain accompanied it to the shore, where 
the non-combatants of the friendly tribes were hurrying 
their chattels into canoes and pushing out into the 
bay. . . . 

The third division, while dashing forward to the ren- 
dezvous, caught sight of the Indians massed in the Lake 
trail, and, contrary to orders, charged and drove them 
to the ridge of the hill before they could be arrested and 
turned back, and the ambushed Indians, too much 
astonished at the unexpected retreat to improve the criti- 

1:280: 



APPENDIX 

cal moment, suffered their enemies to regain their sta- 
tions unmolested, when the latter, finding a few sapling- 
stumps for rifle-rests, soon cooled down to their work, 
while their disappointed foes vainly endeavored to re- 
gain the ground they had lost. 

The costumes of the officers and men being similar, 
the puzzled Indians were unable to distinguish one 
from the other, but the initial movement revealing to 
them the officer in charge of that command rendered his 
position an unenviable one during the next five hours of 
the fight. 

Early in the action Klakum, secreted in easy range 
behind a tree, observing Mr. Peixotto standing on the 
block-house steps with young Holgate two or three steps 
above and immediately behind, carefully leveled his 
rifle at the former and fired; the ball missing its mark 
penetrated the brain of the latter, and the poor boy fell 
backward dead upon the floor. 

Within an hour after this sad event Hans Carl, the 
invalided sailor of the Decatur, quietly breathed his 
last, and his nurse, a colored boy belonging to the ship, 
came to the front, and upon his reporting the circum- 
stances, I inquired why he had left the body uncared 
for, to which he replied, "I can't see no good watching 
dead man when Injuns is round; he ought to look out 
for his own self when fightin's goin' on, and 'stead 
watchin' dead body I want to do some of it myself, sah!" 
The excuse was deemed sufficient, and his conduct un- 
der the circumstances warranted. A rifle was placed in 
his hands, a position in the line given him, and a braver 
man never endured an Indian fire in battle. 

Leaving the third division and marines to hold the 
Indians in check at the head of the swamp, we turn to 

C281: 



APPENDIX 

the south end of the peninsula, where the contestants 
being separated by the slough, the battle assumed the 
nature of a long-range duel, where large numbers were 
engaged and neither party could approach the other 
without incurring certain destruction, and any attempt 
at crossing by the sand-bar would have resulted in in- 
stant death to any one foolhardy enough to undertake it. 
The Indians possessed the advantage of position, over- 
whelming numbers, and in being screened by trees, logs, 
and bushes, while the whites in the field south of the 
neck, including citizens who came forward to assist in 
protecting their families and property, did not number 
over one hundred men under arms, and, except the pro- 
tection afforded by a few scattering stumps, the entire 
party was openly exposed to the storm of bullets con- 
stantly sweeping over the slope and ridge. 

The roaring of an occasional gun from the ship belch- 
ing forth its shrieking shell and its explosion in the 
woods, the sharp report of the howitzer, the incessant 
rattle of small-arms, and an uninterrupted whistling of 
bullets, mingled with the furious yells of the Indians, 
transpiring beneath an overcast and lowering sky, pic- 
tured a scene long to be remembered by those who were 
upon the ground to witness it. A young man, having 
benefited by the protection afforded by a stump for an 
hour or more, lost his life by the severance of the spinal 
column with an Indian bullet, while in the act of run- 
ning to the rear for the purpose of procuring water to 
quench his thirst. 

Loud above the din of battle could be heard the shrill 
screaming of the Indian women urging the delinquent 
warriors to the front, nor were they sparing of their 
expressions of contempt to the laggards in the fight; and 

[282;] 



APPENDIX 

when not caring for the wounded or secreting the dead 
beyond all chance of discovery, any signs of wavering in 
the ranks brought them like furies to their midst, and 
woe to the lordly Indian who failed in following their 
frenzied lead. 

Fortunately, as the assembled tribes were ignorant of 
the language spoken by either of the others, all orders 
issued by the chiefs and communications between the 
different people were necessarily uttered in Chinook, a 
jargon common to them all, which frequently informed 
us of their movement in advance, and revealed many 
incidents of the battle they were anxious to conceal, and 
when a certain 15-second shell created havoc in their 
midst, knowledge of the event came to us through this 
channel. 

It appeared that when the flight of the missile was 
nearly spent, its further progress was stopped by their 
blankets, and while circling around it in a dance with 
joined hands the shell exploded, dealing death to ten of 
their number and wounding several more. 

Returning to the neck, where the firing had assumed 
a terrific form on the part of a thousand disappointed 
Indians assembled on the hillsides and in the valley near 
the swamp, and made desperate by the blunder com- 
mitted early in the action, the Indians now seemed bent 
upon remedying their error by raining bullets upon the 
little band of men holding them at bay. . . . 

The firing continued until 11.45 A.M., when it sud- 
denly ceased in our immediate front, and the deep gut- 
tural voice of Coquilton was heard in the centre issuing 
undistinguishable orders to his responsive lieutenants 
on the right and left. 

A glance at the situation gave warning of his inten- 

1:2833 



APPENDIX 

tion to strike a blow for the annihilation of my division, 
and, by turning the flank of the others, place his forces 
in their rear, when fifteen minutes would decide the 
battle in his favor and give the town up to his destroying 
hand; and also notified me to be ready for the decisive 
moment whenever it should come. Quickly arranging 
my command to meet the tremendous odds to be 
launched against it, I had only time to impress their 
minds with the certainty of our scalps ornamenting an 
Indian wigwam in the event of any weakness on our 
part in the assaults to be made, and to receive their wel- 
come and characteristic responses of "Never fear for 
us, sir; we will stand by you or die in our tracks," when 
the ship's bell announced the hour of noon, and down 
came the Indians, like so many demons, tearing through 
the bushes and filling the air with frightful yells, till 
they reached the edge of the chaparral, not twenty feet 
away, where they delivered a terrific volley, and ar- 
rested by the firmness of fourteen men, undismayed by 
their noise and numbers, suddenly turned and sought 
shelter behind the trees and los^s. 

At this moment the fate of Seattle hung by a thread. 
With two bounds, or three at the most, the third division 
would have gone down like grass before a mower's 
scythe, and in a few moments the battle have been won, 
the people given up to indiscriminate slaughter, and the 
village in flames; but failing to make these bounds, the 
town remained in our possession and the Indian cause 
was forever lost. 

The Indians, ignoring their fatal error, now appeared 
bent on overwhelming us with bullets, and from their 
front and enfilading fire no avenue of escape seemed 
open, yet throughout those wearying hours of exposure 

1:2843 



APPENDIX 

to that ceaseless flow of deadly missiles not one of that 
little band was harmed. Dr. Taylor, Mr. Smithers, and 
Tom Russel, together with four young men, volunteers 
from Meig's mill across the sound, now appeared upon 
the ground, adding seven excellent marksmen to the 
squad, which continued to hold their own until two 
o'clock, when the howitzer came to their assistance, and 
her crew increased the force on the Sawdust to thirty- 
one, with the important addition of a field-gun throw- 
ing a 1 2-pound projectile, and when the latter was in 
position, I directed Morris to land a 2-second shrapnel 
in Klakum's ambuscade. That savage observing my 
conference with the officer, and suspecting the object of 
the interview, withdrew behind the tree, and, as he sup- 
posed, beyond the reach of any missile approaching his 
direction; but when, an instant after, a well-directed 
shrapnel, exploding at the proper time and place, cut 
away a heavy lock of hair just above his ear, he was un- 
able to comprehend the philosophy of a gun "shooting 
around a corner," and his well-secured retreat became 
vacant for the occupancy of any Indian whose ambition 
might lead in that direction; whether it was taken pos- 
session of I am unable to say, but I am certain of expe- 
riencing no more trouble from that quarter during the 
remainder of the day. . . . 

Three o'clock came, and also exhaustion for the men, 
induced by more than twenty-three hours' abstinence 
from both food and rest, and wearying of drawing the 
Indians from their cover, another method was deemed 
expedient for bringing matters to a close. 

The non-combatants having been disposed of early in 
the day, — fifty-two women and children finding refuge 
on the Decatur, and the remainder on board the bark 



APPENDIX 

Brontes, waiting for a cargo in the stream, and the adult 
males being safely housed in the block-house, guarded 
by the marines, at 3.30 P.M., escorted by Indian bullets, 
the divisions repaired on board ship, and, manning the 
battery, the enemy were soon driven beyond the reach 
of our great guns and kept at bay until after nightfall, 
when, under cover of the darkness, many efforts were 
made to set fire to and rob the buildings, but a well-di- 
rected shell sent them hurrying away to rejoin their 
companions in the woods. 

At 10 P.M. the last gun was fired and the battle of 
Seattle was among the things of the past; her enemies 
had been defeated and turned back into the wilderness 
from whence they came, never again to rally for the 
destruction of the people of Washington. 

The number of Indians assembled before Seattle is 
not known ; the natives themselves being ignorant of or 
declining to give any reliable information on the subject, 
the matter naturally becomes one of conjecture. But if 
we consider the preparations made, the number of tribes 
represented, their confidence in being able to conquer 
Seattle and Steilacoom with a divided army, and by 
comparing the amount of noise made by their simul- 
taneous shouts with the well-remembered cheers of a 
line-of-battle ship's crew of a thousand or eleven hun- 
dred men, in addition to the length of time they oc- 
cupied, a pretty fair estimate may be made, and they 
could not have fallen far short of two thousand souls; 
also, of the number of killed and wounded we have no 
means of knowing, the most that the Indians would ad- 
mit being twenty-eight of the former and eighty of the 
latter. 

That our loss should have been only two killed and 

[2863 



APPENDIX 

none wounded appears incredible, and when we remem- 
ber that one hundred and sixty men were for seven hours 
exposed to an almost uninterrupted storm of bullets, 
filling the air like swarms of bees, perforating their gar- 
ments and tearing up the ground around them in every 
direction, the result appears little less than miraculous. 
However, the confident savage had been arrested in his 
course of blood, — fairly beaten, demoralized, and scat- 
tered, — while the moral effect was as great as if half the 
whites engaged had been slaughtered. 

The morning of the 27th revealed the fact of the In- 
dians having disappeared, taking with them most of the 
cattle found browsing near the town, the sole results of 
an expedition requiring months to perfect, and looking 
to the utter annihilation of the white settlers in that sec- 
tion of the country. 

News of the attack appears to have been rapidly car- 
ried to all parts of the sound and inlet. Even at Belling- 
ham Bay, one hundred miles distant, it was known as 
early as 4 P.M., — seven and a half hours after its com- 
mencement: and at noon the Active came steaming into 
the bay, when the governor, with the proof before him, 
was at last compelled to acknowledge the presence of 
hostile Indians in the Territory. Their sudden disap- 
pearance from before Seattle, in the opinion of Captain 
Keyes, boded no good for the people of Steilacoom, and 
at his earnest solicitation the Active was dispatched to 
land him at his post and the governor at Olympia. 

I now learned from Yark-eke-e-man that the hostile 
chiefs, confident of an easy victory at Seattle and also at 
Steilacoom, where well-stored depots of provisions were 
to be found, gave little thought to their commissary de- 
partment, and being provided with a deficient quantity 

1:2873 



APPENDIX 

of food for prosecuting a protracted campaign, their 
unexpected repulse at the former place left them with- 
out resources for supplying their immediate wants. 
Therefore it became necessary to form into small bands, 
and scour the country to secure the means for con- 
tinuing the war. From three to four weeks was deemed 
sufficient for the accomplishment of this object, and, 
considering that time ample for perfecting his plans, 
Coquilton, on the 28th, sent word by a Lake Indian 
"that within one moon he would return with twenty 
thousand warriors, and, attacking by land and water, 
destroy the place in spite of all the war-ship could do to 
prevent." . . . 

The lessons of the past taught the people to heed the 
warnings of the high chief, and a council held to con- 
sider the situation decided to immediately fortify, and 
for this object Mr. Yesler volunteered an entire cargo 
of house lumber, ready sawed for shipment; and, on the 
ist day of February, the four divisions of the Decatur 
assembled and commenced to erect barricades, consist- 
ing of two fences five feet high, placed eighteen inches 
apart, and filled in with earth and sawdust, well tamped, 
until bullet-proof. This breastwork, commencing at the 
shore beyond Plummer's house, extended to the north 
block-house, and thence over the bluff to the water's 
edge, the distance barricaded being about twelve hun- 
dred yards, and inclosing a large portion of the town. 

A second block-house was also erected about two hun- 
dred feet easterly from the hotel, on the summit of the 
ridge near the swamp. An old ship's cannon, battered, 
rusted, and half hidden in the ground, was unearthed, 
and mounted on a carriage built for the purpose, which, 
with a 6-pounder field-piece borrowed from the Active, 
constituted the battery of this wooden fort. 

1:2883 



APPENDIX 

The defenses being up, and the greater portion of the 
land at South Seattle in the condition that nature had 
left it, after the trees and undergrowth had been re- 
moved, to operate the howitzer and crew it became nec- 
essary to uproot stumps, haul and pile logs, level the 
cradle-knolls, and make roads connecting the inhabited 
portion of the town with the south water-front, where 
an esplanade was constructed to enable the gun to sweep 
the shores of that end of the peninsula. 

Both officers and men entered upon the work with a 
spirit worthy of the occasion, and the stumps too large 
to be extracted with levers were burned, the fires being 
kept alive night and day till reduced below the surface, 
when axe and shovel completed the rest, and in a few 
days South Seattle assumed the appearance of a well 
laid-out town. . . . 

On the morning of February 15, the barricades and 
block-house having been completed, the finishing 
touches given to the roads, and the town placed in con- 
dition to welcome the enemy whenever it might suit his 
pleasure to appear, and after detailing Lieutenant 
Drake, with ten men and six marines, to guard the 
northern end of the town, and myself, with the same 
number, together with Lieutenant Johnson and ten men 
from the Active, to protect South Seattle, the remaining 
officers and their commands returned to the ship, with 
the exception of Dr. Taylor, directed to act as surgeon 
for both detachments. 

With our reduced numbers, time did not drag with 
us. Incessant watching for an enemy daily threatening 
to "let slip the dogs of war," clearing away the trees and 
undergrowth from the eastern slope bordering on the 
swamp to destroy the Indian lodgments in that quarter, 
opposing certain dealers bent upon selling liquor to our 

1:289] 



APPENDIX 

men and in trading with the savages, and, finally, in 
endeavoring to persuade the vicious element overrun- 
ning the place to organize for their own protection, ren- 
dered our lives otherwise than monotonous. . . . 

An hour or more before daylight on the morning of 
February 24 a continuous dull thumping sound, similar 
to that made by a heavy trip-hammer at a distance, was 
heard out on the inlet, greatly puzzling us as to the 
cause, but at dawn the mystery was cleared away by the 
unexpected appearance of the U. S. steamer Massa- 
chusetts looming through the haze as she steamed 
towards the anchorage. 

Commander Samuel Swartwout, commanding the 
Massachusetts, being the senior officer present, assumed 
charge of all naval matters in the Territorial waters, 
and after a short stay in port, departed to examine per- 
sonally the various establishments on the sound. 

During the evening of this day Clerk Charles Francis 
suddenly died from the effects of a disease contracted 
previous to joining the Decatur. The arrival of the 
Massachusetts rendered a further detention of the Ac- 
tive unnecessary, and preparatory to her departure. 
Lieutenant Johnson with his command was withdrawn 
from the barricades on the 27th, and on March 13 that 
vessel, with Major-General Wool, U. S. A., on board, 
left Puget Sound for San Francisco to resume her sur- 
veying duties. Meanwhile, where our persuasive elo- 
quence had utterly failed to induce the floating popu- 
lation of the town to organize for the field, starvation, 
or the prospect of it, happily succeeded in creating a 
company numbering fifty-one members, and when mus- 
tered in under Captain Edward Lander, the naval 
forces stationed on shore returned to the ship, leaving 



APPENDIX 

Seattle to the care of Company A, Second Regiment, 
Washington Territory Volunteers. 

Early in March four companies of the Fourth U. S. 
Artillery and the Ninth Regiment of Infantry arrived 
at Steilacoom, where they immediately organized by 
companies for a vigorous prosecution of the war; and in 
this connection the Massachusetts, on the 20th, brought 
to Seattle Company B, Ninth Infantry, Captain F. T. 
Dent, en route for the Duwam-sh and White Rivers. 

The Indians, as we subsequently learned, notwith- 
standing their frequent threats of attacking our lines, 
had been so completely broken and dispersed after their 
defeat at Seattle that they were incapable of again con- 
centrating their forces, and at this time were scattered 
in comparatively small bands over the country in search 
of food and ammunition, when the army reinforcements 
arrived and were soon in hot pursuit, with a prospect of 
speedily terminating the war. 

On March 28 we were agreeably surprised by the ap- 
pearance of the U. S. steamer John Hancock, Lieuten- 
ant David McDougall commanding, increasing the 
naval force to three substantial fighting ships, and two 
of the number being steamers, greatly exercised the In- 
dians, who possessing a wholesome dread of pyre-ships,^ 
as they termed them, now began to realize the hopeless- 
ness of their cause. The Hancock, but recently re- 
turned from the Behring Sea exploring expedition, had 
been hurriedly fitted at Mare Island by Commander 
David G. Farragut for the suppression of Indian hos- 
tilities, and proved a serviceable auxiliary to the forces 
operating in the Territory. . . . 

During the months of April and May the United 

"^ Fire-ships. 
1:290 



APPENDIX 

States forces and volunteer companies in the field had 
succeeded so well with the enemy that the ist of June 
found a delegation of Indians crossing the mountains 
on their way to Olympia to sue for peace. The Decatur 
having accomplished her mission in the Territory, was 
now ready for sea, and at 6 o'clock A.M., June 2, she 
took her final departure from Seattle, towed by the 
John Hancock, and accompanied by all the Northern 
Indians then in Puget Sound, with whom she appeared 
to be an especial favorite. Touching at Port Townsend 
for the night, an early hour the next morning saw the 
ship out in the straits towing towards the Pacific Ocean, 
ninety miles away, still escorted by our Indian friends, 
representatives from the Tongas, Hyeta, Stickene, and 
Shineshean tribes, and when abreast of Victoria, waving 
us a last farewell, they paddled towards Vancouver's 
Island, and soon disappeared. . . . 

The evening of June 3 exhibiting signs of thick 
weather, we anchored for the night in Port St. John, 
Vancouver's Island, and at seven o'clock on the morning 
of June 4, 1856, weighed anchor, and in three hours our 
noble vessel once more rode over the long gentle swell 
of the broad Pacific, and when well outside of Cape 
Classet and clear of Duncan's Rock, the hawsers con- 
necting our ship with the John Hancock were cast off, 
and as she swept around in a graceful curve on her re- 
turn to Puget's Sound, an exchange of three rousing 
cheers expressed our farewells, and, steering to the 
southward, soon Satouch [Tatoosh] Island bore well to 
the northward of east, and as our eyes turned in the di- 
rection from whence we had come, with the exception 
of the writer, every officer and nearly every man on 
board the U. S. sloop-of-war Decatur looked for the last 
time upon the magnificent Strait of Juan de Fuca. 

11292] 



INDEX 



Activt, U. S. Coast Survej^ 

steamer, 202, 274, 276, 287, 

289, 290 
Adalbert, Prince of Prussia, xxvii, 

XXX, 71, 72, 76, 78, 80, 81, 166 
Adams, John Quincy, Secretary 

of State, xxxix 
African Squadron, xxv, xxxvi, 

xlii, xliii, xlvi, xlvii, 1, 219, 221- 

242 
Alabama, U. S. mail steamer, 

185 
Albany, U. S. sloop of war, 128, 

184 
Alceste, French frigate, 196 
Amphitrite, H. B. M. frigate, 

196 
Ardenne, American baric, 237 
Ascencion, Island of, 238, 239, 

242 
Austria, xxvii, xxix, xxxvii, xlii, 

118, 124 

Bancroft, George, Secretary of 
the Navy, xxi, xxiv, 10, 11 

Barbarossa, German steam 
frigate, 170, 171 

Barnard, Daniel Dewey, U. S. 
Minister to Prussia, 77, 80, 81, 
88, 89, 92, 95, 96, 100, 102, 
104, 113, 166, 169, 172 

Barrington, Samuel, Surgeon, 17, 
18, 23, 24, 26, 40, 43 

Bavaria, 117, 118 

Beaver, Hudson Bay Company 
steamer, 273 

Bellingham Bay, xxxii, 205, 207, 
208, 209, 210, 287 

Benin, Bight of, 224, 225 



Bier, George H., Midshipman, 

44 

Bismarck, 92, 100, 102, 104, 
113, 181 

Blake, Joseph D., Lieutenant, 
215, 216 

Blanton, William L., Lieuten- 
ant, 33 

Boarman, Charles, Captain, 128 

Boerum, William, Captain, xvii, 

55 

Booth, Benjamin W., Captain, 
xvii, 55 

Borgingnau, Colonel, 119, 181 

Borja Bay, Straits of Magellan, 
192, 193, 194, 253, 254, 257, 
258, 260, 261, 262 

Bothmer, Baron von, 168 

Brazil and the Slave-trade, xlvii, 
xlviii 

Brazil Squadron, xxv, 61, 65, 67, 
69, 187 

Breese, Samuel L., Captain, 57, 
61, 62, 142, 144 

Brent, Daniel G., 140, 141 

Brent, Thomas W., Commander, 
139, 140, 236, 237 

Bridge, Horatio, Paymaster 
General, 145 

Bright, Henry, Boatswain, 265 

Brisque, H. B. M. steam sloop, 
196 

Bromme (Brommy), Karl Ru- 
dolf, Rear Admiral, xxviii, xxix, 
65, 66, 73, 74, 82, 83, 99, 100, 
loi, 106, 115, 120, 160, 161, 
162, 163, 166, 169, 172 

Brown, A. J. D., xvii 

Brown, J. A. D., xvii 



[293;] 



INDEX 



Browne, A. J. D., xvii 
Browne, Thomas, Midshipman, 

55 

Buchanan, Franklin, Com- 
mander, xxi 

Buchanan, James, President, 136 

Campbell, Marshall C, Mid- 
shipman, 265 
Campbell, William P. A., Lieu- 
tenant, 143, 222, 231, 236, 239 
Cape Classet, 199, 208, 292 
Cape Froward, 191, 250, 256, 
264 
Cape Pillar, 132, 195, 264 
Cape Quod, 194, 254, 255, 256 
Cape Verde Islands, xlvi, 221, 

231, 232 
Cape Virgin, 189, 247, 264 
Cass, Lewis, General, U. S. 

Minister to France, xlii, xliii 
Chatard, Frederick, Lieutenant, 

Chinsura, British bark, 239 

Clitz, John M. B., Lieutenant, 
213 

Cockburn, Sir Alexander, 173 

Coleman, David, Midshipman, 
27, 28 

Colorado, U. S. steam frigate, 
217 

Columbia, U. S. frigate, xxv, 7, 
8, 39, 52, 61, 67, 130, 186 

Columbus, U. S. receiving ship, 
6, 7, 8, 9, 61, 67 

Comegys, Cornelius, Midship- 
man, 44 

Conflict, H. B. M. steamer, 236 

Congo River, xliv, 139, 140, 
228, 229, 230, 235, 236, 237. 
238, 239, 240, 242 

Congress, U. S. frigate, 65 

Conner, David, Commodore, 
xxv, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 61 

Conover, Thomas A., Commo- 
dore, 221, 231 



Cooper, James Fenimore, xviii 

Coquilton, Indian chief, 266, 
274, 275, 277, 278, 283, 288 

Crooked Reach, Straits of 
Magellan, 254, 258 

Crosby, Peirce, Lieutenant, 215 

Cuba and the Slave-trade, xlvi, 
xlvii 

Cumberland, U. S. frigate, 14, 
16, 17, 221, 222, 231, 232 

Cummings, Andrew B., Lieuten- 
ant, 222 

Cunningham, John S., Purser, 

222 

Curley, Indian chief, 210, 278 
Cushman, Samuel, 3, 4 

Dackenhausen, Lieutenant- 
Colonel von, 166 

Dahlgren, John A., Lieutenant, 
xxii 

Dale, U. S. sloop of war, 221, 
226, 231, 232 

Dallas, Alexander J., Commander, 
xvii, I, 2, 3, 4, 6, 17, 67 

Dallas, Francis G., Birth of, xvii, 
62, 67 ; Midshipman, xvii, 8 ; 
At Naval Academy, xxiv, xxvi, 
22, 25, 30, 31, 32, 35, 36, 37, 
38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 45; Service 
of, xxv, xxvi, 51, 52, 54, 61, 62, 
67, 68, 69, 70, 82, 83, 85, 86, 
100, 103, 130, 131; In the 
Mexican War, xxvi, 20, 40, 67, 
69 ; Lieutenant in German navy, 
xxvi, XXX, 64, 84, 156, 157; 
Passed Midshipman, U. S. 
navy, xxx, 45, no, 178; On 
the African Station, xxxvi, 1, 
139, 140, 221-237; Retirement 
and death of, 1; Papers of, li; 
Applies for appointment in the 
navy, I, 2, 3, 4; Appointed act- 
ing Midshipman, 5 ; Orders to, 
6, 7,8,9, 10, II, 12, 14, 18, 19, 
20, 22, 46, 47, 63, 65, 73, 106, 



C2943 



INDEX 



no, III, 128, 129, 132, 136, 

137, 139, 140, 145, 184, 185, 
199, 202, 205, 211, 213, 214, 
215, 216, 219, 221, 227, 231, 
236,237 ; Performs duty on board 
of: U. S. S. Columbus, 6, 7, 
6i,67;U. S. S. Columbia, 7, 8, 
61, 67; U. S. S. Mississippi, 12, 
61, 67; U. S. S. John Adams, 
14, 61, 67; U. S. S. Flirt, 18, 
61, 67; U. S. S. Saratoga, 20, 
61, 67; U. S. S. Electra, 22; 
German steam frigate United 
States (Hansa), 58, 63, 68, 69, 
82, 83, 100, 150-159; German 
steam corvette Royal Ernst Au- 
gust, 65, 68, 82, 85, 100, 159- 
162; German steam corvette 
Hamburg, 70, 82, 86, 100, 
162-172; U. S. S. Decatur, 
129, 130,132,185-205,211, 212, 
213, 265; U. S. S. Princeton, 
137, 214-219; Bark Orion, 139, 
140, 236-242; U. S. S. John 
Hancock, 205-211; U. S. S. 
Release, 219-221; U. S. S, 
Dale, 221-231; U. S. S. 
Marion, 231-236; At Pensa- 
cola Navy Yard, 10, 61, 67; 
Sick, 12-18, 23, 24, 39, 69, 74, 
158, 159, 160, 161, 167, 168, 
169; Fights a duel, 25-44, 5i' 
55, 68, 69, 103, 108, 109; 
Wounded, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34; 
Defense of, 37—45 ; Passes ex- 
amination for promotion, 45, 
46, 57; Dismissed, 47, 48, 54, 
55 ; Advised to apply for rein- 
statement, 49, 50, 178; Testi- 
monials and certificates, 51, 52, 
53, 54. 56, 57, 71, 72, 82, 83, 
85, 86, 100, no; Enters Ger- 
man service, 63 ; Commission of, 
as Lieutenant in German navy, 
64, 84, 103, 114, 116, 126, 156, 
157; Complaints of, 66, 73, 

1:29s 



160; In command of a ship, 70, 
78, 82, 84, 86, 87, 91, 100, 162, 
163; Social relations of, 70, 75, 
76, 157, 164, 165, 166, 167, 
168, 169, 170, 173, 178, 183, 
184, 188, 215, 216, 217, 218, 
219; Applies for transfer to 
Prussian navy, 78, 81 ; Claims 
of, 84, 87, 88, 89, 90, 92, 93, 
94, 95, 96, 97, 103, 104, 108, 
115-127, 172, 179, 181, 184; 
Recommends an officer, 91 ; Dis- 
charged from German service, 
97, 105, 106, 172; Transfers 
his ship to purchaser, 98, 172; 
Applies for reinstatement in 
U. S. navy, 108, 109, 178; Re- 
instated, no, 112, 178; Acting 
Lieutenant, 129, 130, 185; 
Master, 132; Lieutenant, 133, 
135; Prize master, 139, 236; 
Disposition of his prize, 141, 
142, 143, 144, 145; Journal of, 
149; Sails for Germany, 150, 
178; Arrives at Liverpool, 153; 
In England, 153-156; Arrives 
at Bremerhaven, 156, 181 ; Re- 
marks on German service, 157, 
158, 159, 160, 161, 169, 170, 
171; Visits U. S. frigate St, 
Lawrence and city of Bremen, 
157; Travels in Germany, 160, 
161, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 

181, 182; Remarks on European 
politics, 164, 165, 169; In win- 
ter quarters, 164, 165; Meets 
the U. S. Minister, 166; De- 
clines to enter Prussian service, 
171 ; Sails for New York, 172, 

182, 214, 237; At Southamp- 
ton, 173, 182; Arrives at New 
York, 177, 183, 214, 242; Sails 
on a cruise, 185, 187, 219; At 
Norfolk. 187; At Rio de Ja- 
neiro, 189; In Straits of Ma- 
gellan, 189-195 ; At Valparaiso, 

] 



INDEX 



195, 265; At Honolulu, 196; 
In Puget Sound, 197, 199-21 1; 
At San Francisco, 198, 211 ; At 
Mare Island, 198, 211; At Se- 
attle, 199, 203, 204, 205, 206, 
207, 208, 209, 210; Takes part 
in Indian war, 199-205, 275; 
On duty with army, 199-202, 
269 ; In battle with Indians at 
Seattle, 203, 204; Cruising in 
the Sound, 205-211; At Pan- 
ama, 212, 213; On receiving 
ship dut}^, 214-219; Sails for 
African Station, 219; Arrives at 
Porto Praya, 221, 231; Cruis- 
ing on the coast of Africa, 222— 
231, 232-237; Unpleasant rela- 
tions with Captain, 226, 227 ; 
In command of a prize slave- 
ship, 236; Delivers his prize at 
New York Navy Yard, 242. 
For Letters to and from, see 
Contents 

Dallas, Horatio, 215, 218, 219, 
220 

Dallas, James, 184, 216, 219, 
220 

Dapel, Lieutenant von, 168 

Davidson, Hunter, Lieutenant, 
222 

Davis, Charles H., Lieutenant, 
XX ii 

Dean, Richard C, Assistant 
Surgeon, 222 

Decatur, U. S. sloop of war. 
Cruise of, xxxi, 129, 130, 132, 
136, 185-213, 245-292; In 
Straits of Magellan, xxxi, 189- 
195, 245-264; In Puget Sound, 
xxxiii, 197, 199-208, 265-292; 
At Seattle, xxxiii, 199, 202, 
266, 267, 272, 274, 276, 280, 
285, 292; At San Francisco, 
XXXV, 198, 211; At Panama, 
xxxv, 212, 213; Ashore, 202, 
271, 272 



Denmark, xxvii, xxix, xxxvii, 

153, 163 

Dent, F. T., Captain, 291 

Depot of Charts and Instru- 
ments, xxii 

De Russy, Gustavus Adolphus, 
Captain, 177, 183, 217 

De Russy, Rene E., Lieutenant- 
Colonel, xvii, 49, 50, 54, 55, 56, 
133, 135, 163, 178, 187, 214, 
217 

Deutschland, German frigate, 
164, 171 

Devoe, G. H., 141, 142 

Deyton, A. O., Auditor, 138 

Dibble, George M., Midship- 
man, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33 

Dickerson, Mahlon, Secretary of 
the Navy, i, 2 

Dido, H. B. M. sloop of war, 
196 

Dobbin, James C, Secretary of 
the Navy, 128, 129, 131, 132, 

133 
Downes, Charles, 220 
Downes, John, Commodore, 6, 

7, 56, 62 
Drake, Andrew J., Lieutenant, 

213, 265, 268, 275, 289^ 
Duckwitz, Arnhold, Minister of 

the German navy, 95, 96 
Duwamsh, Puget Sound, 204, 

266, 269, 275, 277, 291 



East India Squadron, xxv, 66 
Eberling, W., 64 
Eckernfohrde, German frigate, 

xxix. See Gefion 
Electra, U. S. store-ship, 22 
El Morion, Straits of Magellan, 

254, 255 
Emma Lincoln, Prize slave-ship, 

237 
Engles, S. A., Passed Assistant 
Surgeon, 222 



1:2963 



INDEX 



English Reach, Straits of 
Magellan, 256, 258, 259 

Etheridge, John, Navy Depart- 
ment cleric, 131 

Eurydice, French sloop of war, 
196 

Falmouth, U. S. sloop of war, 

142 
Farragut, David G., Captain, 

57, 62, 291 
Fay, Theodore S., U. S. Charge 

d'affaires, 80, 82 
Fernando de Noronha, Island of, 

188, 239 
Fernando Po, Island of, 233 
Fillmore, Millard, President, 

108, 109, no, III, 117, 122, 

123, 178 

Fischer, Doctor, German Fed- 
eral Commissioner, 98, 99 

Fitzhugh, Andrew, Captain, 12 

Flirt, U. S. schooner, 16, 18, 61. 
67 

Foote, Andrew H., Lieutenant, 
xlvii 

Fort Benton, xxxiii, 277 

Fortescue Bay, Straits of Magel- 
lan, 191, 192, 193, 194, 251, 
252, 256, 259, 260, 261 

Fort Severn, xxi 

France and the Slave-trade, 
xxxvii, xl, xlii, xliii 

Francis, Charles, Captain's clerk, 
210, 276, 290 

Frankfurt, German steam 
corvette, 86, 91 

Fulton, U. S. steamer, xviii 

Gale, John, Midshipman, 26, 27, 
28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 39, 40, 

44, 48 
Gansevoort, Guert, Commander, 

202, 21 1, 272, 274 
Gebser, Lieutenant-Colonel, 166 



Gefion, Danish frigate, captured 
by Germans, xxviii, 165, 170, 

171, 

Geisinger, David, Captain, 57, 
61, 62 

George Law, American steamer, 
214 

German Confederation, xxvi, 
xxvii, xxix, xxx, 58, 87, 88, 89, 
90, 93, 105, 106, 112, 1 14-124, 
127, 149, 181. For navy of, see 
Navy, German 

German Federal High Diet, 105, 
114, 115, 116, 117, 119, 120, 
121, 122, 123, 124, 172 

Germantown, U. S. sloop of 
war, 215 

Gerrv, James T., Commander, 
184 

Gillis, James M., Lieutenant, 
xxli 

Glasgow, Propeller, 180 

Goldsborough, John R., Lieu- 
tenant, 57 

Graebe, Charles, U. S. Consul, 
116, 119, 122, 127, 181, 182 

Great Britain and the Slave- 
trade, xxxvi-xliv, xlvii, 1 

Gregory, Francis H., Captain, 
12, 129, 185 

Guinea, Gulf of, 222, 224 

Guthrie, Presley N., Captain, 
214 



Haller, Major, 267 
Hamburg, German steam cor- 
vette, 69, 71, 73, 74, 76, 78, 82, 
83, 86, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 96, 
98, 99, 100, loi, 162-172 
Hamilton, Robert, Seaman, 260 
Hanna, John E., 236, 240, 241 
Hansa, German steam frigate, 
63, 65, 68, 82, 83, 87, 91, 94, 
100, 103, 114, 156, 159. See 
United States 



1:2973 



INDEX 



Harmony, David B., Lieutenant, 
213 

Harris, Thomas C, Lieutenant, 
215, 216 

Harrison, Gustavus, Midship- 
man, 25, 27, 28, 33 

Harrison, Lieutenant, 269, 271 

Hartlant, D. S., Doctor, 74 

Hays, Gilmore, Captain, 200, 
201, 202 

Henderson, Francis W., 26, 27, 
28, 29, 34 

Herrmann, Merchant steamer, 
172, 173, 177, 178, 179, 182 

Hewett, C. C, Captain, 202, 
270, 271 

Higgins, Captain, 172, 174, 179 

Hodenburg, N., General, 165 

Hoff, Henry K., Commander, 
213 

Holbrook, Henry H., 220 

Hollins, George N., Commander, 
10 

Home Squadron, xxiv, xxv, xxvi, 
II, 14, 16, 18, 19, 22, 61, 67, 
69, 125, 130 _ 

Honolulu, xxxi, 196, 265 

Hopkins, William E., Lieu- 
tenant, 217 

Howard, Captain, 150, 154, 155, 
158, 161 

Hudson Bay Company, xxxii, 
197, 201, 273 

Hughes, Aaron K., Lieutenant, 
265, 268, 275 

Hulse, Isaac, Surgeon, 12, 13, 14 

Hunt, Charles H., Assistant 
U. S. District Attorney, 143 

Hunt, Timothy A., Lieutenant, 
22 

Hunter, Charles C, Midship- 
man, 29, 31, 32, 48 

Hydrographic Office, xxii 



Independence, U. S. flag-ship, 
199, 213 



Indian War, xxxi— xxxv, 199- 

210, 266-292 
Ingraham, Duncan N., Captain, 

124 
Isaacs, Purser, 150, 155 

Jackson, Andrew, President, i 
Jackson, George William, 

Captain, 77, 80, 82, 86 
Jamestown, U, S. sloop of war, 

216 
Jefferson Davis, U. S. Revenue 

cutter, 211, 269 
Jeffery, Richard W., Surgeon, 

213, 257, 265, 276 
Jochmus, A., German Imperial 

Minister, 64, 84, 114 
John, Archduke of Austria, xxvii, 

63, 64, 82, 84, 87, 104, 114, 

116, 120 
John Adams, U. S. sloop of war, 

14, 16, 18, 23, 24, 39, 40, 45, 

61, 67 
John Gilpin, Ship, 235 
John Hancock, U. S. steamer, 

205, 211, 291, 292 
Johnson, Lieutenant, 289, 290 
Jones, John J., Purser, 213, 265, 

276 
Jones, William, Secretary of the 

Navy, xxi 
Juan de Fuca, Strait of, 197, 

199, 208, 211, 292 
Julia Ford, American brig, 232 

Kabinda, 230, 235 

Kelley, S. S., 220 

Kennedjf, John P., Secretary of 
the Navy, 108, iii, 178 

Kerst, Secretary of the German 
navy, 63, 64, 84, 1 14, 155 

Keyes, Erasmus Darwin, Cap- 
tain, 200, 266, 268, 269, 273, 
274, 276, 287 

King, Ralph, U. S. Consul, 85 

Klakum, Indian chief, 281, 285 



1:298] 



INDEX 



Koszta, Martin, 124 
Kroomen, xlvi 

La Forte, French frigate, 196 
Lambert, D. R., Lieutenant, 213 
Lander, Edward, Captain, 290 
Lane, L. C, Assistant Surgeon, 

213 
Langhorne, John D., Midship- 
man, 44 
Latimer, William K., Captain, 

II 
Lawrence, Abbott, 53, 56; U. S. 

Minister to Great Britain, 79, 

93, 169 
Leontine, American brig, 220 
Liberia, xxxviii, xlvi, xlix, 1 
Lockwood, John A., Surgeon, 32 
Long Reach, Straits of Magellan, 

192, 194, 195, 253, 254, 256, 

258,^ 259 _ 
Lushi, Indian chief, 266, 273, 

274, 278 

McBlair, William, Commander, 
222, 226, 227, 228 

McCauley, James B., Lieuten- 
ant, 213, 216, 218 

McClelland, U. S. Revenue 
cutter, 142 

McCluney, William J., Com- 
mander, 14, 15, 57, 61, 62 

McCrosky, U. S. Consul, 173 

McDougall, David, Lieutenant, 
291 

McKeever, Chauncey, Lieuten- 
ant, 199, 200 

Magaw, Samuel, Passed Mid- 
shipman, 33, 44 

Magellan, Straits of, xxxi, 189, 
195, 245, 247, 256, 263 

Maloney, Maurice, Captain, 
201, 202, 273 

Marcy, William L., Secretary of 
State, 124 



Marion, U. S. sloop of war, 65, 
139, 140, 231, 232, 236, 237 

Martha, Slave-ship, xlvii, xlviii 

Mason, John Y., Secretary of the 
Navy, xxiv, 9, 18, 19, 20, 21, 
32, 36, 38, 46, 47, 48, 51, 54, 
56, 57, 108 

Massachusetts, U. S. steamer, At 
Rio de Janeiro, 189, 246 ; In the 
Straits of Magellan, 193, 194, 
195, 258, 259, 261, 262, 263; 
In Puget Sound, 204, 210, 290, 
291 

Maury, Matthew F., Lieuten- 
ant, xviii, XX, xxi, xxii, xl 

May Queen, steamer, 209 

Medical Corps, U. S. navy, xxiv 

Mediterranean Squadron, xxv, 
61, 67, 69 

Merck, German Imperial Min- 
ister of Marine, 64, 84, 114 

Merrimac, U. S. steam frigate, 
xix 

Mervine, William, Commodore, 
136, 213, 264 

Mexican War, xxiii, xxv, xxvi, 
xxxii, 20, 40, 67, 69, 125 

Middleton, Edward, Lieutenant, 
187, 213, 265, 276 

Miller, Joseph E., Carpenter, 
265, 276 

Mississippi, U. S. steamer, 12, 
23, 24, 40, 61, 67 

Mitchell, John G., Midshipman, 
265 

Monarch, H. B. M. ship of the 
line, 196 

Monroe, James, President, 
xxxviii 

Morgan, Charles W., Captain, 

45 
Morgan, Van R.. Lieutenant, 

216 
Morris, Charles M., Lieutenant, 

237 



[;299] 



INDEX 



Morris, George U., Lieutenant, 
213, 218, 265, 275, 285 

Murden, E. O., Captain, U. S. 
Revenue Service, 142, 214 

Myers, Henry, Purser, 139 



Nautical Almanac Office, xxii 
Naval Academy, U. S., xxi, xxii, 

xxiv, xxvi, 18, 22, 25-46, 54, 

62, 67, 69, 108 
Naval Hospital, Pensacola, 12, 

13, 16, 17, 40; Norfolk, 187 
Naval Lyceum, xxii, 140 
Navy, British, xxxvii, xxxix, xl, 

xlii, xliii, xlvii 
Navy, German, Sketch of, xxvi— 

XXX ; Beginnings of, 58, 63, 72, 

87, 88, 94.. 95, 96, 112, 150, 

152; Commission in, 64, 68, 69, 

84, 103, 114, 116, 126, 127, 156, 
157; Service in, 66, 73, 82, 83, 

85, 86, 87, 100, 109, no, 121, 
167, 181 ; Belgian officers in, 
66, 93, 115, 117, 158, 162; De- 
cline of, 80, 81, 169, 170; Dis- 
solution of, 92, 105, 171; Dis- 
charge from, 96, 97, 106, 115, 
118, 171, 172 

Navy, Prussian, xxvii, xxviii, 
xxix, XXX, 77, 78, 81, 171 

Navy, United States, In middle 
of nineteenth century, xvii— xxv; 
Steam in, xviii, xix; Armor in, 
xix; Dry docks in, xix; Reform 
of administration in, xix— xxi; 
Education in, xxi, xxii ; Science 
in, xxii ; Ordnance, xxii ; Per- 
sonnel of, xxii-xxiv ; Men, xxii, 
xxiii ; Discipline, xxiii ; Flog- 
ging, xxiii ; Temperance Re- 
form, xxiii ; Officers, xxiii, xxiv ; 
Dueling, xxiv; Line and StaHF, 
xxiv ; Retired list, xxiv ; Opera- 
tions of, xxiv ; Squadrons of, 
xxiv, xxv; In the Mexican 



War, xxv ; Material for history 
of, xxv; And the British navy, 
xxxix, xlii, xliii, xlvii; And the 
Slave-trade, xliii, xliv, xlvi, 
xlvii, 1 
Navy Commissioners, Board of, 

XX 

Navy Yards, Boston, xix, 7, 8, 

51, 130, 185, 219; Norfolk, 
xix, 187, 215, 217; Philadel- 
phia, xxi, xxxvi, 138, 214, 215; 
Pensacola, xxvi, 10, ii, 61, 67, 
130; New York, 142, 144, 145, 
242; Mare Island, 198, 205, 
211, 265, 291; Washington, 
218 

Netherlands, xxxvii 
Nisqually, Puget Sound, xxxii, 
201, 202, 207, 266, 269 

Obligado, French brig of war, 

196 
Oldenburg, Grand Duke of, 169 
Olympia, xxxi, xxxii, xxxiii, 205, 

206, 207, 209, 210, 269, 287, 

292 
Orinoco, British steamer, 186 
Orion, Prize slave-ship, 139-145, 

236-242 
Otis, Arthur H., Midshipman, 

33, 44, 45, 183,184 
Owhi, Indian chief, 266, 274, 

275, 278 

Pacific Squadron, xxv, 136, 187 
Palmer, N. C, Captain, 58, 60, 

61, 149, 154 
Palmer, W. G., Doctor, 30 
Palmerston, Lord, xxix, xli 
Panama, xxxv, 136, 138, 212, 

213, 214, 264 
Parker, Foxhall A., Captain, 8, 

52, 56, 61, 62, 88, 89, 112, 178 
Parker, Foxhall A., Midship- 
man, 70, 71 



Csoo] 



INDEX 



Parker, William A., Lieutenant, 

220 

Parker, William H., Captain, 
xix, 1 

Paulding, Hiram, Captain, 71, 
72, 156 

Paulding, James K., Secretary of 
the Navy, 3, 4 

Pay Corps, U. S. navy, xxiv 

Pennsylvania, U. S. ship of the 
line, 217 

Perry, Matthew^ C, Commo- 
dore, XXV, xlvi, 22 

Perry, U. S. brig, xlvii, xlviii 

Phelps, Thomas S., Lieutenant, 
xxxi, 132, 213, 245, 265, 275, 

277 
Pierce, Franklin, President, 128, 

133, 135 
Pique, H. B. M. frigate, 196 
Piracy, xxiv, xxix, xxxviii, 

xxxix, xlii, xliv 
Playa Parda Cove, Straits of 

Magellan, 194, 255, 262 
Pluto, H. B, M. steamer, 237 
Plymouth, U. S. sloop of war, 

218 
Polk, James K., President, 10, 

18, 35, 37> 44, 47, 48, 50, 51, 

52, 5,3, 54, 68, 69 
Porpoise, U. S. brig, xlviii 
Port Famine, Straits of Ma- 
gellan, 191, 193, 250 
Port Madison, Puget Sound, 

xxxii, 206, 207, 209, 269 
Porto Praya, Cape Verde Islands, 

221, 231 
Port Townsend, xxxii, 197, 199, 

205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 

211, 265, 292 
Portugal, xxxvii 
Preble, U. S. sloop of war, 142, 

216 
President, H. B. M. frigate, 196 
Preston, William B., Secretary of 

the Navy, 59 



Princes Island, 227, 228, 232 
Princeton, U. S. steamer, xxxvi, 

14, 15, 16; Receiving ship, 137, 

214, 215, 216, 218, 219 
Prokesch-Osten, Count Anton 

von, 119, 123, 181 
Prussia, xxvi, xxix, xxxvii, xlii, 

72, 79, 92, 118, 166 
Puget Sound, xxxi, xxxii, xxxiii, 

xxxiv, XXXV, 133, 134, 199, 265, 

270, 290, 292 
Pupshulk Prairie, 201, 268, 270 
Puyallup River, 199, 200, 201, 

202, 266, 274 



Quackenbush, Stephen P., Lieu- 
tenant, 218 
Quid Nunc, Schooner, 241 



Raritan, U. S, frigate, 12 

Rastedt, Bark, 170 

Rattlesnake, H. B. M. ship, 196 

Reichert, P., Lieutenant, 65, 85 

Release, U. S. bark, 219, 220, 
222 

Renshaw, Edward, Lieutenant, 
216 

Right of Search, xxxvii-xliii 

Ringgold, Cadwalader, Com- 
mander, 205 

Rio de Janeiro, xlviii, 187, 188, 
189, 195, 245, 258 

Roenne, Baron von, German 
Minister to United States, 59, 
60, 61, 87, 89, 94, 95, 96, 97, 
112, 114, 149, 156 

Rowan, Stephen C, Com- 
mander, 144 

Royal Ernst August, German 
steam corvette, 65, 66, 68, 82, 
85, 100, 159, 160 

Rush, Madison, Lieutenant, 
xlviii 

Russia, xxxvii, xlii 



O 



INDEX 



Rynder, Isaiah, U. S. Marshal, 
141, 144 

St. Lawrence, U. S. frigate, In 

the North Sea, 70, 71, 72, 156, 

157, 158, 159, 163, 164; At 

Valparaiso, 195, 264 
St. Mary's, U. S. sloop of war, 

164 
St. Paul de Loanda, 228, 229, 

231, 235 
Sandy Point, 191, 249, 253, 264 
San Francisco, American steamer, 

xxxi, 185, 186 
Saratoga, U. S. sloop of war, 20, 

21, 22, 62, 67, 130 
Savannah, U. S. frigate, 189 
Schleswig-Holstein, xxvi, xxvii, 

163, 166 
Schultz, Major, 75 
Scowell, Indian chief, 269, 270 
Seattle, xxxi, xxxii, xxxiii, xxxiv, 

XXXV, 199, 203-211, 266-292; 

Battle of, 203, 204, 280-286 
Sharks Point, Congo River, 139, 

140, 230, 235, 237, 238, 239 
Sherman, W., Passed Assistant 

Surgeon, 221 
Shubrick, Edward R., Captain, 

56, 61, 62 
Sichert, Brauns von, Colonel, 

166 
Simms, J. D., Chief Clerk of 

Navy Department, 5 
Sinclair, Arthur, Lieutenant, 18 
Skinner, Charles W., Commo- 
dore, 20 
Slaughter, William A., Lieuten- 
ant, 200, 201, 202, 266, 268, 

269, 270, 271 
Slave-trade, xxiv, xxv, xxxvi-1, 

141 
Sloat, John D., Commodore, xxv 
Smith, Joseph, Captain, 7, 61, 62 
Smith, Watson, Lieutenant, 215, 

217, 218 



Spain, xxxvii 

Steilacoom, xxxii, 200, 201, 202, 
206, 207, 208, 209, 266, 268, 
271, 273, 274, 286, 287, 291 

Sterrett, Isaac S., Commander, 
xxxi, 129, 130, 132, 185, 215, 
245, 255, 257, 260, 265 

Sterrett, James S., Captain's 
clerk, 265 

Stevens, Isaac Ingalls, Governor, 
xxxi, xxxii, xxxiii, xxxiv, xxxv, 
210, 276, 277 

Stevens, Thomas H., Lieutenant, 
214 

Stevenson, Byrd W., Midship- 
man, 60, 150, 155 

Stewart, Charles, Commodore, 

137 

Stiles, Edward C, Passed Mid- 
shipman, 60, 66, 150, 155 

Stillwell, James, Lieutenant, 
218, 219 

Stocking, R. M., Gunner, 265, 
276 

Stockton, Edward C, Lieuten- 
ant, 213 

Stockton, Robert F., Commo- 
dore, xxv 

Supply, U. S. store-ship, 216 

Swartwout, Samuel, Com- 
mander, 290 



Tatnall, Josiah, Captain, 56 

Taylor, J. W., Assistant 
Surgeon, 24 

Taylor, John Y., Assistant Sur- 
geon, 142, 213, 265, 269, 271, 
276, 285, 289 

Taylor, Zachary, President, 59 

Tecumseh, Indian chief, 277, 
278 

Thatcher, Henry K., Com- 
mander, 213 

Thomson, John A., Doctor, 177, 
178, 183, 184 



11302:1 



INDEX 



Thornton, James S., Passed 

Midshipman, 26, 39 
Tierra del Fuego, 195, 247, 254 
Tinkham, Frank, 220 
Tongri, D., Commander, 65, 83 
Toucey, Isaac, Secretary of the 

Navy, 136, 137, 145 
Treaties, xxxiii, xxxvii, xxxviii, 

xxxix, xl, xlii, xliii, xlvi 
Triton, H. B. M. steamer, 235, 

236, 237 
Tucker, Charles C, Claim 

agent, 125, 126 
Tyler, John, President, xli, 6, 9 

United States, German steam 
frigate, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 68, 
69, 70, 87, 95, 103, 149, 150, 
151, 156. See Hansa 

Upshur, Abel P., Secretary of 
the Navy, xx, 6, 7, 8 

Upshur, George P., Commander, 
22, 23, 30, 32, 37, 38, 47> 54, 
56 

V^alparaiso, 195, 196, 258, 263, 

264, 265 
Van Buren, Martin, President, 

2, 3, 4 
Vancouver Island, 197, 205, 207, 

208, 268, 292 
Vera Cruz, xxv, 14, 16, 17, 22, 

67 
Vienna, Congress of, xxxvii, 120 
Vincennes, U. S. sloop of war, 

222 
Vixen, H. B. M. steamer, xlv, 

xlvi 

Wabash, U. S. steam frigate, 218 
Ward, Edmund, 154, 155 



Ward, John, Passed Assistant 
Surgeon, 213 

Warren, Augustus A., Sailmaker, 
265, 276 

Washington, Merchant steamer, 
158, 161, 163, 167 

Washington Territory, xxxi, 
xxxiii 

Weber, Lud., Captain, 73, loi 

Webster, Daniel, Secretary of 
State, xli, xliii 

Wedding, W., Professor, Ger- 
man Commissioner, 58, 150, 153 

Wellington, Lord, xl 

Welsh, Charles W., Chief Clerk 
of Navy Department, 135 

West, George, 220 

Whiting, William D., Midship- 
man, 27, 28 

Wilkes, Charles, Lieutenant, xxii 

Winder, Edward L., Lieutenant, 
222, 227 

Wood, John Taylor, Midship- 
man, xlix 

Wool, John E., General, xxxv, 
290 

Wooley, Charles Woodruff, 
Passed Midshipman, no 

Wyman, Robert H., xvii ; Passed 
Midshipman, 23, 24, 33, 34, 41, 
65, 66; Lieutenant, 163, 164, 
178, 213 

W\'neken, John, General, 76, 
165, 168 

Yarkekeeman, Indian chief, 274, 

278, 279, 287 
Yesler, H. L., 203, 278, 288 
York Roads, Straits of Magellan, 

192, 193, 252, 254, 256, 259 
Young, William S., Commander, 

215 



CsosH 



THE NAVAL HISTORY SOCIETY 

The Naval History Society has been established for the 
purpose of publishing and preserving manuscripts, docu- 
ments, and writings relating to our naval history, naval art 
and science, and the surroundings and experiences of seamen 
in general and of American seamen in particular. 

The Society has already issued: 

In 1910: Volume I. The Logs of the Serapis, Alliance, Ariel un- 
der the Command of John Paul Jones, lyjS-iySo. Edited by 
Captain John S. Barnes. 

In igri: Volume II. The Narrative of Nathaniel Fanning, an 
Officer of the Revolutionary Navy. Edited by Captain John S. 
Barnes. 

In 1912: Volume III. The Despatches of Molyneux Shuldham, 
Vice Admiral of the Blue and Commander in Chief of His Britan- 
nic Majesty's Ships in North America, January— July, 1776. 
Edited by Robert W. Neeser. 

For 1913 and 1914: Volumes IV and V. The Out-Letters of the 
Continental Marine Committee and Board of Admiralty, 1776— 
1780. Two Volumes. Edited by Dr. Charles Oscar PauUin. 

For 191 5: Volume VI. Letters and Papers relating to the Cruise 
of Gustavus Conyngham, a Captain of the Continental Navy, 
1777-1779- Edited by Robert W. Neeser. 

For 1916: Volume VII. The Graves Papers and other Docu- 
ments relating to the Naval Operations of the Yorktoicn Cam- 
paign, July to October, 1781. Edited by Rear-Admiral French E. 
Chadwick. U. S. N. 

For 191 7: Volume VIII. The Papers of Francis Gregory Dallas, 
United States Navy. Correspondence and Journal, 1837— 1S5Q. 
Edited by Gardner W. Allen. 

Other volumes are in preparation. 

Any person wishing to become a member of the Society is requested to 
apply to the Secretary (Robert W. Neeser, 35 West 42nd Street, 
New York City), who will submit his name to the Board of Man- 
agers. The annual subscription is Five Dollars, the payment of which 
entitles the member to receive one copy of all works issued by the 
Society for that year. 




CIS 80 




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